Cartoon legend fights for studio

Joseph Barbera'a partner William Hanna died in 2001

Joseph Barbera, one of the US animators behind classic cartoons such as Yogi Bear, has begun a campaign to save the studios where his figures were first sketched.

Barbera, 92, wrote a letter to Hollywood's City Council to oppose a proposal to demolish two of three buildings that once housed the Hanna-Barbera Studios.

The council want to pull down the former animation houses to make room for a development of stores and apartments.

Joseph Barbera was the creative and business partner of William Hanna, who died aged 90 in 2001.

They remain the two most famous names in cartoons more than 60 years after they first met.

Barbera said the studios were historically important.

"I sincerely hope that we can protect the legacy and keep the roots of Hollywood animation history firmly secured for the ages," he said.

The city's Cultural Heritage Commission said the buildings were not of particular architectural interest.

Hanna-Barbera artists and producers now work in nearby Sherman Oaks.

The Flintstones, Scooby Doo, Yogi Bear, The Jetsons, Wacky Races, Top Cat and Quick Draw McGraw were all born out of the imagination of the two men.

Over more than half a century of animation the two men garnered 12 Academy Award nominations, winning seven times, and picking up eight Emmy awards.

Hanna Barbera studios was bought by Warner Brothers in 1996 but William Hanna was said to have worked at his desk every day up until his death.