Peter Firmin (born in Essex in 1928) was the founder of Smallfilms, along with Oliver Postgate. Between them they created Ivor the Engine, The Clangers, Bagpuss and Pogle's Wood .

Most of the animating was done in a shed in Kent. He is also an illustrator, for instance he illustrated Seeing Things Oliver's autobiography. His daughter Charlotte is also an illustrator.

Peter also co-created, with Ivan Owen , British TV puppet legend Basil Brush in 1963.