Television producer Daniel Postgate, whose work helped shape generations of British childhoods through programmes like Bagpuss and The Clangers, has died aged 61.
The BAFTA-winning producer was discovered deceased in a shed at his Whitstable residence on June this year
The son of Bagpuss co-creator Oliver Postgate, Daniel played a crucial part in bringing cherished children’s programmes to BBC screens.
His death follows a period of significant personal challenges, including health struggles and the end of his 35-year relationship.
An inquest held this week at Oakwood House in Maidstone determined that the father of two had taken his own life.
The television industry figure had been instrumental in maintaining the legacy of classic British children’s programming whilst adapting it for contemporary audiences.
Mr Postgate had endured a lengthy struggle with depression spanning four decades, according to testimony from his brother Simon at the inquest.
His health deteriorated significantly after receiving treatment for aplastic anaemia in 2019, a condition that prevents the body from producing adequate blood cells.
Daniel Postgate had been involved in the upcoming Bagpuss film
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PAEarlier this year, he separated from his partner after 35 years together. Subsequently, doctors diagnosed him with myelodysplastic syndrome, a form of blood cancer, for which he underwent chemotherapy.
The day before his death, Mr Postgate received correspondence from the NHS regarding his diagnosis.
His family told the inquest this letter proved to be “the straw that broke the camel’s back”.
In a final message to loved ones, he wrote: “I hope you all have wonderful lives, and remember to love each other.”
Daniel Postgate also worked on The Clangers
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Mr Postgate assumed control of Smallfilms production company following his father’s passing in 2008, steering the organisation to fresh accomplishments. His creative vision earned recognition when The Clangers relaunch, which he produced for CBeebies, secured a British Academy Children’s Award for Best Pre-School Animation.
The programme enjoyed widespread success from 2015 to 2020, with Mr Postgate receiving a nomination for the Best Writer award the subsequent year.
At the time of his death, he was working with Birmingham-based Threewise Entertainment on an ambitious project to adapt Bagpuss for cinema release in 2027.
His career began as an apprentice signwriter and painter before he established himself in London as a cartoonist.
His illustrations appeared in prestigious publications including The Sunday Times and Radio Times.Coroner Sarah Clarke determined that Mr Postgate had deliberately ended his life, stating: “I always say to family, I don’t think it’s a question [why a person has died by suicide] that can ever be answered.”She added: “He tells me he’s undertaking a deliberate act. He doesn’t want to endure the ongoing treatment. I would be wrong to find another reason [for Daniel’s death].”
Simon Postgate described their final telephone conversation two days before his brother’s death: “I think he had something in mind, but I don’t know for certain.
“He was able to communicate and was quite chatty and fairly relaxed, but he had underlying depression for about 40 years. It was sometimes difficult to tell what frame of mind he was in.”
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.