Classic Children's Character Miffy Celebrates 55 Years Submitted By: Highlight PR Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Classic Children's Character Miffy Celebrates 55 years Submitted by: Highlight PR Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Global brand, design icon, classic character, Miffy celebrates her 55th anniversary on Monday 21st June 2010. Worldwide celebrations, including two free events in the UK, are marking the success and timeless appeal of Dick Bruna’s little white bunny. A UK press event is also being held in London this Friday, see editor’s notes below for details. In today’s world of computer games and 3D entertainment, Miffy’s simple design still looks fresh, whilst her charm continues to resonate with millions. Proof is in her growing international presence: the books are published in nearly 50 languages, merchandise spans five continents (walk into John Lewis, Mothercare or Asda in the UK and you’ll find Miffy), the TV show broadcasts daily in the US, a giant field of 120,000 tulips immortalises her face annually in Japan, hotels in Hong Kong have Miffy-themed rooms, and there is a Miffy museum in Holland. Dick Bruna, Miffy’s creator, should also be celebrated. Now aged 82, he continues to work six days a week in his studio in Utrecht, writing and illustrating picture books for children. He has published 120 books to date, 30 of which are about Miffy. He shows no signs of slowing down, and lives by his mantra for timeless design: “What matters is reducing everything to its essence, so that no line is redundant. That is the strength of simplicity: the art of omission” Global celebrations for Miffy’s 55th birthday take place over the next few months. Highlights include giant statues of Miffy throughout Schipol Airport, a Miffy House in the Dutch Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, 55th anniversary postage stamps in The Netherlands, and touring exhibitions of Dick Bruna’s art opening in Japan and Belgium. UK fans can wish Miffy a ‘happy birthday’ in person at two free events. The first is on Saturday 19th June at JoJo Maman Bebe in Kingston, Surrey, and the second is at Piccola toy store in Epping, Essex on Saturday 26th June. At each event (from 11am – 3pm), children can meet Miffy and have fun with colouring activities and making Miffy ears and masks. ENDS Notes to editors: •Whilst on a rainy seaside holiday in North Holland in 1955, Dick Bruna sketched a little white bunny that was hopping about the garden and made up stories about it to try and entertain his young son. He gave the bunny a name and ‘Miffy’ was born. •Considered by her fans to be Dutch royalty, it’s fitting that Miffy shares her birthday with Prince William! •To date, over 85 million Miffy storybooks have been sold worldwide; the books are translated into nearly 50 languages. •The Miffy brand, comprising books and merchandise, is sold across five continents and is globally worth US$300million annually at retail. UK Press Event:

Page 1 •Maggie & Rose (http://www.maggieandrose.com) 58 Pembroke Road, London W8 6NX •Friday 18th June, 2- 4pm •Your kids can meet Miffy and have fun making Miffy ears and masks whilst, over tea and cupcakes, you get a first look at the Miffy gifts for Christmas 2010 •Please let us know if you would like to come along – contact Ellen at Highlight PR 01225 444268 / 07912606990 Feature Angle: Classic Children’s characters… Books vs. Films •Miffy shares her anniversary this year with other classic pre-school characters: Thomas the Tank Engine (65 years), and Spot the Dog (30 years). Miffy, Thomas and Spot all originate from children’s storybooks, are much loved by the British public, and have stood the test of time. With the imminent release of ToyStory 3, it might be interesting to examine what makes a classic character, and the relative differences between book-based and film-based icons. (Highlight PR is able to provide expert sources from the worlds of publishing and licensing to contribute to such a feature.) For further information, hi res images, profiles of Dick Bruna or a copy of the Miffy 55th Anniversary logo, please contact: Alison Vellacott/ Ellen DurrantHighlight PR 01225 444268 [email protected] / [email protected]

Page 2

Distributed via Press Release Wire (https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/) on behalf of Highlight PR