Bob Godfrey: British animator and creator of Roobarb

Career and style

Godfrey worked across commercial advertising, short films and television series. His animation is often described as loose and lively: quick, wobbly lines, surprising timing and an emphasis on visual gags rather than polished realism. He led small teams and independent productions that relied on economy of technique — a trait that became a recognizable part of his aesthetic. Over decades he mentored other animators and kept experimenting with formats and subject matter, from playful children’s cartoons to satirical and adult-oriented pieces. Awards

Notable works

• Great (1975) — an acclaimed short film that brought Godfrey international recognition and major awards.
• Roobarb — a hand-drawn, gentle comedy for children notable for its sketchy watercolor look and rapid movement.
• Various commercials and short films — he produced and directed many projects for television and independent release, showcasing his playful approach to animation.

Awards and legacy

Godfrey's short film Great earned him significant honours and helped raise the profile of British animation abroad. He received both an Academy Award and a BAFTA for the film, recognition that underlined his ability to make compact, inventive work that appealed to critics and general audiences alike. Over time his informal drawing style influenced animators who favored personality and wit over detailed realism. His films remain studied as examples of economical yet expressive animation production.

Personal life and later years

Godfrey was born in West Maitland in Australia to British parents and was raised in Ilford, Essex. He attended Leyton Art School and spent most of his professional life in England. Known for a dry wit and a dedication to craft, he maintained an active creative life into old age. He died in England in 2013 at the age of 91. Background Obituary

Godfrey's work remains an important chapter in British animation history: a bridge between early cinematic animation, television production, and later independent methods that valued character, satire and direct visual expression. Contemporary animators and historians often cite his approach when discussing how personality can be conveyed with economical means.