Plasticine celebrations taking shape

23-MAR-09

 

North Tyneside Council is shaping celebrations that will recognise the invention of Plasticine by North Shields-born William Harbutt.

A number of initiatives are being planned, which will coincide with International Animation Day, which takes place on October 28.

This includes the installation of new seating in Bedford Street, North Shields, which will reflect the appearance of Plasticine.

And the council is invited the 16 primary schools in North Shields to encourage pupils to take part in a writing competition about Plasticine.

The winning submission will be included in a new interpretation board that will be installed with the seating.

Cllr Jim Allan, the council's historic environment champion, said: "North Tyneside has some rich and interesting heritage.

"William Harbutt forms part of that, which is why we're exploring exciting and interesting ways to celebrate his achievements."

Note to editors:

William Harbutt (13 February 1844 - 1 June 1921) was the inventor of Plasticine.

Born in North Shields, Harbutt studied at the National Art Training School in London, and eventually became an associate of the Royal College of Art.

He was headmaster of the Bath School of Art and Design from 1874 to 1877, and then opened his own art school in Bath with his wife Elizabeth (Bessie).

Harbutt invented Plasticine around 1897 as a non-drying modelling clay for use by his students.

In 1899 Harbutt was awarded a trade mark, and in 1900 a factory was set up at nearby Bathampton to manufacture the product for commercial sale.

Harbutt travelled widely to promote the product, and his theories about the teaching of art by allowing children free expression. He died of pneumonia while on a trip to New York in 1921.

The Harbutt company promoted Plasticine as a children's toy by producing modelling kits in association with companies responsible for popular children's characters such as Noddy, the Mr Men and Paddington Bear.

The original Plasticine factory was destroyed by fire in 1963 and replaced by a modern building. The Harbutt company continued to produce Plasticine in Bathampton until 1983.

From 1983 to 2006, the brand went through a number of ownership changes. It is now owned by Flair Leisure and produced in Thailand.

Issued by: Duncan Bennett