About
The magic and wonder of The Snowman, created by Raymond Briggs over 40 years ago, continues to enchant families and fans today.
1934
Raymond Briggs is born
Raymond is born in Wimbledon to Ethel and Ernest Briggs. He showed interest in cartooning from an early age and studied at the Wimbledon School of Art and later at the Slade School of Fine Art. Illustration by Robin Shaw
1978
The Snowman is published
The Snowman picturebook was first published in the UK by Hamish Hamilton as a wordless picture book featuring illustrations by Raymond Briggs.
1982
The Snowman is broadcast on Channel 4
Producer John Coates creates an animated version of The Snowman for Channel 4. It was first broadcast on 26th December in the channel's inaugural year and has been shown every Christmas since.
1983
An Oscar nomination
The Snowman animation is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short Film
1983
A BAFTA Award win
The animation wins Best Children's Programme at the BAFTA TV Awards.
1984
David Bowie records a special introduction
David Bowie is asked to record a special introduction for The Snowman.
1993
The Snowman on stage
Birmingham Repertory Company produces The Snowman for stage, incorporating the original musical score. The live show continues to be presented by Sadlers Wells at The Peacock theatre every Christmas. Credit: Tristram Kenton
2012
The Snowman and The Snowdog
A sequel to The Snowman animation is created by John Coates to mark the 30th anniversary of The Snowman with Raymond's blessing.
2013
Award-winning sequel
The Snowman and The Snowdog wins the Televisual Bulldog Award in the Best Children's category.
2015
The Snowman and The Snowdog - Book of the Classic Film is published
Based on the much loved animation, a book of the film is published by Puffin, bringing words to the story for the first time. A CD is included with narration from Matthew Macfayden.
2017
Raymond receives BookTrust award
Raymond is honoured with a BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to children's literature. Photo credit David Sandison
2018
40 Years of The Snowman
A series of commemorative publishing and merchandise are released to mark the 40th anniversary of Raymond's original picture book.
2019
Michael Morpurgo reimagines The Snowman
Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Robyn Shaw create a magical story for a new generation of Snowman fans, inspired by the original tale.
2022
Ten Years of The Snowdog
Birthday celebrations for The Snowdog! 2022 marks ten years since The Snowman's canine companion bounded onto our screens for the first time.
2022
In Memory of Raymond Briggs
Raymond Briggs passes away in August, leaving behind a treasure trove of work including his best known creation, The Snowman. Image by David Sandison.
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