A blue plaque now sits up at Jim Henson’s former home in Hampstead.
Jim Henson, creator of the legendary childhood favourite “The Muppets”, is the latest icon to receive a blue plaque in Britain to mark his cultural heritage.
He is fondly remembered for crafting the beloved puppets that appeared on television shows, such as Sesame Street and The Muppet Show.
Creator of The Muppets, Jim Henson, is the latest recipient of an English Heritage blue plaque! 🎉🔵
A childhood classic we all have a favourite muppet, who's yours?
Read more about Henson's life ➡️ https://t.co/qDUO6ESLUF pic.twitter.com/AIWoKi41eR
— English Heritage (@EnglishHeritage) September 7, 2021
The new blue plaque can be found outside 50 Downshire Hill in Hampstead, where the US-born puppeteer resided between 1979 and 1982. His property stood opposite the iconic former “Jim Henson’s Creature Shop”, the birthplace of many of his other landmark creations, including The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. He brought the property after The Muppets was commissioned for television in the UK.
Jim Henson died in 1990 aged 53, following a septic shock. He was awarded the plaque art his former home on what would have been his 85th birthday.
Henson’s son, Brian–chairman of the board at The Henson Company–said: “It’s an honour to have Jim Henson’s British home recognised with a blue plaque, knowing that he so admired and respected the talent in London, and that this is the place he called home when creating some of his most memorable productions.”
We’re sure Miss Piggy, Kermit and the whole squad will be delighted to raise a toast to the commemoration of an English Heritage icon.