Mr Squiggle and the legacy of Norman Hetherington
- When
Thursday 7 August 2025
6–7.30pmExhibition viewing to follow 7.30–8.30pm
- Where
Gandel Atrium, National Museum
- Cost
$15 Standard
$12.50 Concession
$10 Friends
Companion free with paying adult
Norman Hetherington amused, inspired and delighted generations of Australians. He entertained troops during the Second World War and was a cartoonist at the Bulletin, but is best known as the creator of Mr Squiggle.
The puppet with a pencil for a nose brought together his two loves – cartooning and puppetry – and the show became one of Australia’s longest running television programs.
Join Norman’s daughter, Rebecca, and grandson Tom as they share stories of growing up with puppets and learning from a master as we examine the remarkable legacy of Norman Hetherington.
The evening features Rebecca Hetherington, Tom Hetherington-Welch along with Dr Sophie Jensen and Danielle Cassar from the National Museum of Australia, in conversation with Alex Sloan AM. It will be followed by an audience Q+A and an exclusive viewing of the exhibition Mr Squiggle and Friends.
Meet our speakers
Rebecca Hetherington
Rebecca Hetherington is the daughter of Norman Hetherington, artist, puppeteer and the creator of Mr Squiggle. Rebecca learnt the art of puppetry from her father and, from a young age, worked alongside him as a puppeteer. She was a presenter on several television programs before joining Mr Squiggle and Friends in 1989 and was Mr Squiggle’s on-screen companion until 1999.
After her father’s death in 2010, Rebecca slowly began working through the contents of his studio, which represented more than 70 years of his diverse creative life.
Tom Hetherington-Welch
Tom Hetherington-Welch is the grandson of Norman Hetherington. Many of his fondest childhood memories are from days spent in Norman's workshop, where more than 400 puppets were at his and his brother Harry’s disposal.
Loving theatre, Tom sought opportunities to act, direct, write, devise and improvise, but didn’t consider puppetry again until he was at university. As Highly Strung, Tom and creative partner Oliver Durbidge now produce original puppet shows.
Sophie Jensen
Dr Sophie Jensen is Deputy Director, Collection and Curatorial at the National Museum of Australia. She was a senior curator for many years and developed exhibitions including Rare Trades, Miss Australia and Happy Birthday Play School.
Sophie was pivotal in negotiations for the acquisition of the Norman Hetherington collection and has worked with a range of significant donors over many years to develop the Museum’s National Historical Collection.
Alex Sloan (MC)
Alex Sloan AM has been a journalist for over 35 years, including 27 years as a broadcaster with the ABC. She is deputy chair of the Australia Institute, a director of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and a regular interviewer as part of the ANU’s Meet the Author series. Alex also works with a range of charities, including foundational work with Hands Across Canberra.
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