1 9 5 3 – 1 9 5 9 (UK)
Bengo was the creation of artist William Timym (known as “Tim”). Originally appearing in the Daily Express, the boxer puppy (and his friend Percy the Afghan hound) came to the BBC in 1953.
In 1962, Bengo became part of the Blue Peter series, eventually leading to an even more popular series, created and drawn by Tim – Bleep and Booster.
When television went to full colour, Tim decided to bow out and became famous for his lifelike portraits and sculptures of animals, including the much-celebrated statue of Guy the Gorilla at London Zoo.
William “Tim” Timym passed away on 31 May 1990.
Narrator
Sylvia Peters