Archival Obsessions: Pictures for Miss Pat

Who

Caris Bizzaca, Content Migration Lead (Sydney office)

What

Cards from Mr Squiggle and Friends creator and cartoonist Norman Hetherington to Pat Lovell, AKA Miss Pat.

Anatomy of a friendship

If you grew up in Australia between the 1950s and 1990s, the phrase ‘Upside down, Miss Jane!’ probably holds a special place in your heart. It’s tied to Mr Squiggle and Friends, the beloved children’s show starring Mr Squiggle, a puppet with a pencil for a nose, created by cartoonist Norman Hetherington. Mr Squiggle lived at 93 Crater Crescent, The Moon, alongside a quirky cast: Rocket, Blackboard, Gus the snail, and Bill Steamshovel – all brought to life through Hetherington’s artistry and comic timing.

Beyond the puppets, the show also thrived on the charming interactions between Mr Squiggle and his human assistants. One of these was Miss Pat, played by producer and actress Pat Lovell, who shared the screen with Mr Squiggle for 15 years.

The NFSA’s collection features a series of hand-illustrated greeting cards by Hetherington, many featuring the iconic character. Some mark key moments in history, like the switch to colour television, with Mr Squiggle joyfully diving into a pot of paint. Others contain personal messages from Hetherington to Lovell, offering a glimpse into their warm friendship.

Its singular delights

For Caris Bizzaca, Content Migration Lead at the NFSA in Sydney, a favourite set of cards stands out – ones in which Hetherington wishes Lovell success at the premiere of Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975), directed by Peter Weir.

‘I have vague memories of watching Mr Squiggle as a kid and loving the “Upside down, upside down” moments,’ Bizzaca recalls. ‘But as a child, I never thought about the people behind the show. Even as an adult, I didn’t make the connection between Miss Pat and the producer of Picnic at Hanging Rock. Finding these cards was like peering through a window into history.’

Creative crossovers

‘Happy Anniversary’ card marking the 5th anniversary of Mr Squiggle on TV. NFSA title:1488325

While the NFSA holds many cards from Hetherington, the Picnic at Hanging Rock set is especially meaningful. ‘It captures a unique moment of crossover between two major moments in Australian cultural history – children’s TV and cinema,’ says Bizzaca. ‘It also reflects the genuine friendship between Hetherington and Lovell.’

At the time, Mr Squiggle’s popularity was already cemented, but the impact of Picnic at Hanging Rock was still unknown. ‘It’s a reminder of how influential Pat Lovell became,’ Bizzaca adds.

Other cards from Hetherington to Lovell include an illustration from 1965, featuring his trademark Mr Squiggle flair, in which Hetherington celebrates five years of working with Miss Pat. In yet another, the artistry pops in Hetherington’s Christmas greetings to Lovell. Together these postcards plot the timeline of a special friendship between peers.

Why it still matters

Bill Steamshovel, Blackboard, Mr Squiggle and Doormat feature on this card to Pat Lovell, 1966. NFSA title:1488325

Hetherington’s daughter, Rebecca, once said her father was a tireless artist who ‘never stopped working – morning, noon and night’. Mr Squiggle’s whimsical presence graced Australian television for 41 years, leaving a lasting legacy of creativity, warmth and humour. That same charm and playfulness are evident in the cards Hetherington sent to Lovell.

Both Hetherington and Lovell achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. Picnic at Hanging Rock, which won Best Cinematography at the BAFTAs, remains an Australian cinematic touchstone, influencing filmmakers like Sofia Coppola. Lovell went on to produce Gallipoli (1981) and Monkey Grip (1982) and later served as Head of Producing at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) from 1996 to 2003. She passed away in 2013.

Meanwhile, Hetherington, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 89, enjoyed a prolific career as a cartoonist, illustrator, and puppeteer. While Mr Squiggle is his most enduring creation, Hetherington also served in the First Australian Army Entertainment Unit during the Second World War, where he painted and sketched scenes of military life.

Main image: Norman Hetherington and Patricia Lovell on the set of Mr Squiggle with characters Mr Squiggle and Bill the Steamshovel, c. 1970. Courtesy: Pat Lovell. NFSA title: 1488351