Mr Turnip

Mr Turnip was created for the BBC children's programme Whirligig in 1950. Producer Michael Westmore conceived the character, while Joy Laurey designed, made and operated the puppet. His distinctive voice was provided by actor Peter Hawkins.

With his turnip-shaped head, green leaves and unfailingly polite manner, Mr Turnip was unlike any children's character seen on television before. He was quick-witted, gently mischievous and surrounded by a growing family of vegetable friends, including Colonel Beetroot, Sarah Swede, Mimi Melon, the Carrot Twins and Uncle Spud.

Mr Turnip's popularity soon spread beyond the television screen. He appeared in annuals, books, games, toys, painting sets, filmstrips and many other licensed products. These surviving objects show how firmly he entered the imagination of a generation, despite the fact that very little footage of Whirligig survives today.

The archive continues to locate and document Mr Turnip material. Some pieces are well recorded; others survive without their original packaging or paperwork and are described with appropriate caution while research continues.

Mr Turnip and Mimi Melon

Mr Turnip in his on-set home.

The success of Whirligig and the popularity of Mr Turnip inspired an extraordinary range of merchandise — from annuals, games and puppets to badges, jigsaws and children’s books. Made by companies across Britain, these colourful collectables carried Mr Turnip from the television screen into homes and toy boxes, helping him become one of early television’s most recognisable stars.

Joy Laurey created much of the artwork and design herself, translating the wit and charm of her on-screen characters into print. Today, these scarce survivors are cherished pieces of British television history and highlights of The Joy Laurey Archive.

The company EVB Plastics based in Surrey produced the Beejú Toy Television Set. Small reels of coloured film strips pass through the tv and a bulb lights them up on the screen. There was a Muffin the Mule set among others. Mr Turnip had film strips made for this toy two of which we now hold in the archive.
Deans Rag Book Mr Turnip Hand Puppet Only made in 1954 very sought after.
Pelham Puppets Mr Turnip, Sarah Swede and Colonel Beetroot. The same head mould was used for all three.
TV Whirligig Annual Mr Turnip
Luntoy metal Mr Turnip
Whirligig Annual with MR Turnip
Twirly book no. 8. Mr Turnip flies around the world.
Deans Rag Book Doll 30cm high only made for one year, 1954.
Luntoy lead figure of Mr Turnip

This wooden pull along is the only one we've ever seen! Luntoy are well known for there cast metal Mr Turnip.
Made by Ariel Productions ltd, These little wooden blocks make up different images of Mr Turnip.
Made by Glevum Games and illustrated by Joy.
Made by Glevum Games and illustrated by Joy.
A card game featuring H.L (Humphrey Lestocq) and Mr Turnips friends.
The heads on these puppets often collapse and disintegrate over time. This one is in lovely condition with soft red velvet jacket.

This soap still smells as wonderful as the day it was made. Produced by Zenobia.
Some beautiful illustrations by Joy to colour in at home. Made by Ariel Publications.
Some beautiful illustrations by Joy to colour in at home. Made by Ariel Publications.
A wonderful story of Mr Turnip, some lovely illustrations too.



Made by Tower Press Ltd.
A cardboard multi jointed Jumping Jack. Made by Tower Press Ltd