About

The magic and wonder of The Snowman, created by Raymond Briggs over 40 years ago, continues to enchant families and fans today.

1934

Raymond Briggs is born

Raymond is born in Wimbledon to Ethel and Ernest Briggs. He showed interest in cartooning from an early age and studied at the Wimbledon School of Art and later at the Slade School of Fine Art. Illustration by Robin Shaw

An illustration of Raymond Briggs by Robin Shaw

1978

The Snowman is published

The Snowman picturebook was first published in the UK by Hamish Hamilton as a wordless picture book featuring illustrations by Raymond Briggs.

An image of the front cover of The Snowman picture book

1982

The Snowman is broadcast on Channel 4

Producer John Coates creates an animated version of The Snowman for Channel 4. It was first broadcast on 26th December in the channel's inaugural year and has been shown every Christmas since.

An image of the boy building the Snowman from the film The Snowman

1983

An Oscar nomination

The Snowman animation is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short Film

An image of the Snowman and the boy celebrating Oscar nomination

1983

A BAFTA Award win

The animation wins Best Children's Programme at the BAFTA TV Awards.

An image of the Snowman and the boy shaking hands, after The Snowman film wins Best Children's Programme at the BAFTA TV Awards

1984

David Bowie records a special introduction

David Bowie is asked to record a special introduction for The Snowman.

An image of David Bowie

1993

The Snowman on stage

Birmingham Repertory Company produces The Snowman for stage, incorporating the original musical score. The live show continues to be presented by Sadlers Wells at The Peacock theatre every Christmas. Credit: Tristram Kenton

2012

The Snowman and The Snowdog

A sequel to The Snowman animation is created by John Coates to mark the 30th anniversary of The Snowman with Raymond's blessing.

An image of The Snowman, the boy and The Snowdog, flying through the air

2013

Award-winning sequel

The Snowman and The Snowdog wins the Televisual Bulldog Award in the Best Children's category.

An image of The Snowman and the boy hugging after The Snowman and The Snowdog wins the Televisual Bulldog Award in the Best Children's category

2015

The Snowman and The Snowdog - Book of the Classic Film is published

Based on the much loved animation, a book of the film is published by Puffin, bringing words to the story for the first time. A CD is included with narration from Matthew Macfayden.

An image of the front cover of The Snowman and The Snowdog book of the film

2017

Raymond receives BookTrust award

Raymond is honoured with a BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to children's literature. Photo credit David Sandison

An image of Raymond Briggs, taken by David Sandison

2018

40 Years of The Snowman

A series of commemorative publishing and merchandise are released to mark the 40th anniversary of Raymond's original picture book.

An image of the 40th anniversary logo for The Snowman original picture book

2019

Michael Morpurgo reimagines The Snowman

Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Robyn Shaw create a magical story for a new generation of Snowman fans, inspired by the original tale.

An image of the front cover of a new Snowman story book by Michael Morpurgo

2022

Ten Years of The Snowdog

Birthday celebrations for The Snowdog! 2022 marks ten years since The Snowman's canine companion bounded onto our screens for the first time.

An image of the Snowman and the boy, the boy is holding the Snowdog, against a wintery landscape

2022

In Memory of Raymond Briggs

Raymond Briggs passes away in August, leaving behind a treasure trove of work including his best known creation, The Snowman. Image by David Sandison.

Explore the

Stories