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1971
Successful copywriter Roger Hargreaves is inspired when his 8-year-old son Adam asks what a tickle looks like. The answer becomes Mr. Tickle, the first Mr. Men character. Mr. Tickle is soon joined by Mr. Happy, Mr. Greedy, Mr. Nosey, Mr. Sneezy and Mr. Bump. -
1974
The ever-expanding Mr. Men series of books sells more than 1 million copies in its first three years, prompting the BBC to bring a number of the characters to television. Their exploits are voiced by actor Arthur Lowe. -
1979
Within just eight years of their creation, Mr. Men can be found just about everywhere: in books, on television, in newspaper comic strips, and even on record with the release of Mr. Men Songs. -
1981
Encouraged and inspired by his daughters, Roger Hargreaves expands his imaginary universe to feature the first Little Miss characters, with Little Miss Bossy, Little Miss Naughty and Little Miss Sunshine amongst the first to be created. -
1983
The city of Glasgow turns to the Mr. Men character Mr. Happy to assist in its ‘Glasgow’s Miles Better’ campaign. -
1988
Roger Hargreaves passes away suddenly and unexpectedly. The news is a shock to his family and fans around the world. -
1988
Adam Hargreaves, that same boy who had asked his father what a tickle looks like, steps up to run the family business. As an accomplished artist whose been keen on drawing since childhood, he takes great care to adopt the playful spirit and style of his father. -
2003
Adam Hargreaves introduces some of his first new characters: Mr. Cool, Mr. Good, Little Miss Scary and Little Miss Whoops. -
2011
By the time Mr. Men Little Miss celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is a worldwide phenomenon, having been translated into numerous languages and loved in dozens of countries around the world. As a sign of just how far they’ve come, the characters are honoured with a series of Google doodles. -
2016
Perhaps remembering their success in Glasgow so many years earlier, the Mr. Men Little Miss characters are recruited for a series of public information posters on the London transport system. -
2021
The Royal Mint joins in celebrating 50 years since a playful breakfast conversation between a father and son inspired a global phenomenon. Each of the coins issued for the anniversary are designed by Adam Hargreaves and this marks the first time the characters have appeared on UK coins.