The NFSA has acquired costumes, scrapbooks and other memorabilia recording the career of Hal Turner, who played one of the first recognisable children's characters on Australian television.

The first program broadcast on Adelaide television station SAS10 on 26 July 1965 was The Bobo Show, starring Charles ‘Hal’ Turner as Bobo the Clown.

As Bobo's popularity grew, a range of merchandise was created including Bobo-branded cordial in lemon and lime flavours.

Bobo the Clown costume worn by Hal Turner during the first half of the 1960s.

Bobo the Clown with a group of Aboriginal men holding spears, boomerangs and a woomera.

Slippers worn by Hal Turner when performing as Bobo the Clown in Adelaide in the early 1960s.

By the mid 1960s Bobo’s popularity was at its peak. Turner was frequently mobbed by large crowds at public appearances.

Bobo the Clown visits the Heinz food factory in Adelaide. Children gather at the entrance of the factory and Bobo greets them and the officials.

Photograph from Alan Campbell-Drury’s report, showing decomposition of the original AAE footage, c1960. NFSA internal document (TRIM: 98/01142)

The story behind Graham Kennedy's overseas trip in July 1961, and his break from hosting 'In Melbourne Tonight'.