A Bafta-winning writer, producer and artist tragically took his own life amid a battle with cancer and depression.
Daniel Postgate – son of Bagpuss co-creator Oliver Postgate – was found dead in a shed at his Whitstable home.
Daniel Postgate won a Bafta for his work on the relaunch of The Clangers for CBeebies. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Despite his success in the world of TV, including relaunching The Clangers, an inquest heard the kind and talented 61-year-old had a history of depression and anxiety, and was often “preoccupied” by his physical health.
A day before his death, he had received a letter from the NHS which his family say “was the straw that broke the camel’s back”.
The inquest heard Mr Postgate had received treatment for aplastic anaemia – where the body fails to make blood cells in sufficient numbers – in 2019, which had gone well, but he was warned it could return.
In the year before his death, the dad-of-two had amicably split with his partner of 35 years and had been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome – a form of blood cancer.
In a report prepared for the coroner, acting detective sergeant Lucy Clark said that on June 26 – the day before he died – Mr Postgate received a letter from the NHS regarding his diagnosis.
Daniel Postgate, son of Bagpuss creator Oliver
His family told officers he would have “researched every word of what was in the letter” and that it contributed to his decision to take his own life.
Having already received one cycle of chemotherapy, Mr Postgate told his family he was “afraid my illness can’t be cured” in a handwritten note.
“I hope you all have wonderful lives, and remember to love each other,” he wrote.
His brother Simon Postgate spoke to him over the phone two days before his death and told the court: “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.
Peter Firmin (left) and Oliver Postgate at work on the children’s TV Programme The Clangers in their Blean studio in November 1969. Picture: Images of CanterburyPeter Firmin at home in Blean, near Canterbury, with the original Bagpuss
“It was sometimes difficult to tell what frame of mind he was in.”
The inquest at Oakwood House in Maidstone on Monday heard the medical cause of death recorded was consistent with suicide, and coroner Sarah Clarke ruled Mr Postgate had taken his own life in her conclusion.
She said: “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.
“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].”
Children’s illustrator Daniel Postgate pictured in his Whitstable studio in 2004
Mr Postgate had taken over Smallfilms – the production company based in Blean, near Canterbury, that made Bagpuss and other beloved children’s TV shows – following his father’s death in 2008.
Alongside Bagpuss co-creator Peter Firmin, he relaunched The Clangers for CBeebies, which ran between 2015 and 2020.
The show won a British Academy Children’s Award for Best Pre-School Animation, and Mr Postgate was nominated the following year for Best Writer.
More recently, he worked with Birmingham-based Threewise Entertainment on plans to bring Bagpuss to the big screen in 2027.
Speaking to KentOnline last year, he reflected on why the 1974 show about the pink-and-white cat still resonated with audiences.
The Clangers won a British Academy Children’s Award for Best Pre-School Animation in 2015, and Mr Postgate was nominated the following year for Best Writer. Picture: Barry Goodwin
“It may seem quite rudimentary but kids found it kind of bewitching because, in some respects, it took a certain amount of their imaginations to be engaged in it,” he said.
Mr Postgate began his career as an apprentice signwriter and painter before moving to London, where he worked as a cartoonist. His drawings appeared in publications including The Sunday Times and Radio Times.
Peter and Emily Firmin with Oliver Postgate and Bagpuss in 2004
A tribute posted by Smallfilms following his death said: “I am absolutely heartbroken to have to inform you of the passing of my dear friend and custodian of all things Smallfilms Daniel Postgate.
“He was a lovely, kind man and will be hugely missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Mental health problems can affect any of us at any time in our lives.
When life gets tough, talking can help.
Call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123, or chat in confidence to a trained Release the Pressure adviser, anytime, just text the word SHOUT to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160.
For details about other mental health support in Kent and Medway, including Amparo who provide support to anyone bereaved by suicide, please visit kent.gov.uk/mentalhealth
