WORDS MAISIE JANE DANIELS - SPECIAL THANKS DAVID MAHONEY COMMUNICATIONS
I can hardly believe it’s been 27 years since the Teletubbies first hit the screen (uh-oh, I feel old!). I can still remember Christmas 1997, when the toy of the year was a doll of those four iconic characters - the dolls were so popular that some shops rationed them to one per customer! I was a Po gal - my sister had Laa-Laa energy. Thankfully, we were different; otherwise, there would have been a lot of tears.
Since the '90s, the Teletubbies have continued to engage new audiences, reminding us of the universal desire to connect, play, and explore. And while my collagen may be disappearing and my responsibilities multiplying, what hasn’t changed is the desire to latch onto that sense of childlike wonder. I hosted "sports day" for my 33rd birthday, so I think that says enough. The House of Teletubbies London is facilitating this desire by transforming the gallery into a vibrant, immersive experience that merges nostalgia with fine art. With exclusive pieces from acclaimed artists such as Christian Cowan, Jon Burgerman, and ONCH, this exhibition will offer a bold, multi-sensory journey that captures the imagination of fans, both old and new.
The Teletubby extravaganza will kick off with a special opening night on 26th September, a TTVIP affair for press, influencers, artists, and partners. The evening will feature exclusive access to the art and artists, all of whom aim to reawaken that sense of childlike wonder. Attendees will have the chance to explore the creative process that brought these iconic characters to life through art - and even meet the legendary quartet in person!
The gallery opens its doors to the young and young-at-heart from 27th to 28th September, where kids and 'kidults' can enjoy hands-on workshops, interactive installations, and Teletubbies-themed activities. This family-friendly event offers visitors a chance to reconnect with their own childhood while experiencing the whimsical joy of the Teletubbies in a new and inspiring context. With activities ranging from doodling on giant canvases to creating Teletubbies-inspired accessories, the weekend will be packed with joyful moments designed to spark creativity across generations. After all, the Teletubbies have always been more than just characters - they are a shared experience, a reminder that childhood is a time of boundless imagination and joy. Something I think we could all benefit from.
The London event is the first stop of the art takeover that will see the Teletubbies take over galleries in major cities around the globe, from Los Angeles to Miami and beyond. At each location, new artists and fresh interpretations will be added to the collection, ensuring a constantly evolving experience that keeps fans engaged and inspired. This tour is about more than just nostalgia; it’s about bridging the gap between generations, using art as a medium to celebrate wonder and discovery - and I can’t wait to experience it myself.
The event takes place to the public at 15 Bateman Street, London 27th-28th September 2024 - 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
