If you answered ‘yes’, then here’s an exhibit for you. No, here is a chance to get to know him.
Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington is on at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, taking visitors on a warm-hearted, nostalgic journey this winter.
Considered Australian TV royalty, Mr Squiggle captivated and inspired generations of Australian children to draw, with his distinctive pencil for a nose, charming banter and ability to turn a simple squiggle into a masterpiece.
Norman was the creative genius behind Mr Squiggle and enjoyed a rich career as a wartime entertainer, cartoonist, artist, performer and puppeteer.
Parents and grandparents who grew up with the show can bring along the next generation to meet the original Mr Squiggle.
Visitors of all ages can explore their own creativity via an interactive ‘squiggle’ drawing experience.
National Museum director Katherine McMahon said the show celebrated one of Australia’s most loved children’s television characters.
“Who can forget the man from the moon, aka Mr Squiggle, who entertained us with his upside-down sketches?” she said.
“Now he and his friends, Blackboard, Rocket, Bill Steamshovel and Gus the Snail, are back to star in this new show.’’
Mr Squiggle and Friends was a family affair on ABC TV. While Norman voiced and made all the characters, his wife, Margaret, eventually took over scriptwriting, and his daughter, Rebecca, was Mr Squiggle’s last on-screen companion (1989-99). Norman’s grandson Tom is also a puppeteer and features in the exhibition.
Entry is free. Key objects from the exhibition will tour nationally at the close of the Canberra show on October 13.
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