Peter Firmin: made Basil in 1963. he was apparently paid £12 for Basil, receiving £1 for each appearance. Peter is well known as being part of Smallfilms, who created Bagpuss and The Clangers.
Big Break: Our hero first appeared on 'The Three Scampies'. His big break came on 'The Nixon Line' in 1967. In 1970 'The Basil Brush Show' came into being, and joy was born for children and adults alike across the country. Basil's show ran on until the early eighties.
Success: The rights to the Basil Brush Show were sold to over 14 other countries and the show regularly scored audiences of 12 million on Saturday evenings.
Ivan Owen: Was the puppet master who spent most of his life in a cramped box providing the voice and actions of Basil. Such was Ivan's belief in the 18 inch high fox, he never allowed himself to be photographed in case it broke Basil's spell. Ivan Owen sadly passed away in 2000 following a long battle with cancer.
Quotes from Ivan:
"He lives. He does all the things children would love to do."
"I have never wanted any publicity for myself as it would distract attention from the character."
Pop Stardom Basil released at least one album entitled 'Boom! Boom It's Basil Brush'. These were not recordings of the show but a selection of the highest quality tunes with such titles as 'Mah-Na, Mah-Na' and 'Why Can't We Have The Sea In London?'
We are amused: Basil was loved by all, including the Royal Family. He appeared at Prince William's fifth birthday party, he met the Queen three times and Princess Anne was a fan. Basil was also invited to Number 10 Downing Street to meet Jim Callaghan!
Mr: Basil was always accompanied by a straight man who was referred to as 'Mr...' There have been several Misters in Basil's life, including Rodney Bewes, Derek Fowlds, Roy North, Howard Williams and Billy Boyle.
Royal Navy: Basil Brush was adopted as the mascot of HMS Fox and an effigy supposedly stands on the ship's quarter deck.
External site
The Unofficial Basil Brush Site
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