R.I.P Art Clokey

Art Clokey, creator of Gumby (along with many other wonderful claymation shows and characters) died today aged 89.  Clokey first found success in 1956 when Gumby premiered as a bit character on an episode of Howdy Doody and has since appeared in various incarnations in his own show as well as in movies.

When I mention Gumby to most people they stare at me a bit confused and then when I show them clips on Youtube they get a strange look of recognition and nod slowly.  I don't know if this is just a result of me hanging around the wrong people or if it's just not something that took off for my generation (or in my country at least).  Nevertheless, I loved Gumby as a child and (for an embarrassing period in my teens) became quite fascinated by one of the movies where evil bank managers steal Gumby's dog who cries jewels.

Whether you grew up loving it or not, Gumby has been a long lasting childrens character for over 50 years and has encouraged people everywhere to either read or run headlong into books at great speed.  Art Clokey has left a great legacy.