BBC CHILDREN'S television and radio will be the focus of a new three-month exhibition (Sat 19 July - Sun 12 Oct) at The Lowry on Salford Quays this summer.
"Most British childhoods have been defined by the programmes and characters we love when we're young, many of them provided by the BBC."
Here's One We Made Earlier will look back at more than 90 years of Children's BBC, from the launch of Children's Hour in 1922, through Muffin the Mule, Andy Pandy, Crackerjack, Bill & Ben, Blue Peter, Newsround, Teletubbies and through to today's vast multimedia options.
The interactive exhibition will gather together iconic items from the BBC archive including props, puppets and past footage exhibited alongside rarities from public and private collections.
As well as revisiting the past, visitors will also be given a go behind the scenes at BBC Children's, with the opportunity to try out presenting in front of camera and piecing together a broadcast behind it.
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The exhibition will also explore how children’s broadcasting has both changed, and remained the same over almost a century – from when toddlers were asked to ‘sit comfortably’ by the wireless to today’s children who take centre stage on air.
Joe Godwin, Director of BBC Children’s, said: “It’s great to be launching an exhibition of this kind in partnership with our close neighbours at The Lowry. From Muffin The Mule and Andy Pandy to Crackerjack, Newsround and Blue Peter, most British childhoods have been defined by the programmes and characters we love when we're young, many of them provided by the BBC.
“It’s really exciting to be able to showcase current programmes, as well as look back at some favourites from the past 92 years of BBC children's programmes. Families will be able to come along and enjoy the exhibition together which is incredibly important to us and we’re looking forward to hearing what visitors think.”
Michael Simpson, Director of Visual Arts and Engagement at The Lowry, said: “This exhibition is as much about today as it is about yesterday. There will be plenty of blasts from the past, but it will also be looking at how relevant and important children’s broadcasting remains, and how children’s viewing and listening habits are changing.”
To coincide with the opening on Saturday 19 July, The Lowry will also throw a free family fun day from 10am to 3pm in partnership with the BBC.
Kids can get hands on with activities and games, watch live performances from CBeebies’ Swashbuckle pirates Cook and Line, meet CBBC’s presenter Katie Thistleton and enjoy an exclusive screening of the new CBBC drama Harriet's Army.
Here's One We Made Earlier runs from Saturday 19 July to Sunday 12 October at The Lowry, Salford Quays.
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