Claude the Crow plush toy from Shirl’s Neighbourhood

Hosted by Graeme ‘Shirley’ Strachan, the lead singer of legendary Australian glam rock band Skyhooks, the children’s television series Shirl’s Neighbourhood (1979–83) appealed to both children and adults. One of the show's biggest scene-stealers was cranky Claude the Crow, who provided the show's comic relief and was such a hit he even had his own line of plush toys like this one. While some generations now might not know who Claude the Crow is, this plushie is evidence of his once far-reaching fame.

The cast of puppets – including Norm the Kangaroo, Ol’ Possum, Greenfinger the Garden Gnome and Stanley the Snake – were created by Australian artist Ron Mueck. Mueck later went on to work with American puppeteer and filmmaker Jim Henson (of The Muppets fame) on two projects, including the film Labyrinth (1986). Mueck is now an internationally acclaimed sculptor. His works have been displayed at institutions all over the world, including the National Gallery in London, Venice Biennale, the Fondation Cartier in Paris and the National Gallery of Australia.