Aardman to commemorate 50 'egg-cellent' years in hometown

Bristol's iconic animation studio, known for Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, and Shaun the Sheep, is commemorating 50 years of creativity with a major exhibition in its hometown. Founded by school friends David Sproxton and Peter Lord, Aardman Studios has become synonymous with stop-motion and clay animation.

The exhibition, titled "Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol", will open at the M Shed next summer. Visitors will get an exclusive look at the studio's creative process, meet beloved characters, and explore Aardman's enduring connection to Bristol.

Ngaio Harding-Hill from Aardman commented, "2026 is a landmark year for the studio, and celebrating it in Bristol is essential." She added that the partnership with M Shed and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery will highlight the city's role in shaping Aardman's artistic journey over the last five decades.

As part of the exhibition, special "Aardman treasures" will be placed throughout the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery for visitors to discover.

Philip Walker, head of culture at Bristol Museums, said, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Aardman. This celebration honors Bristol's creative energy and the imaginative humor the studio has shared globally for 50 years. It's a wonderful showcase of clay, creativity, and unforgettable adventures."

Aardman's first Wallace and Gromit short, A Grand Day Out, debuted in 1989, followed by hits including The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, and A Matter of Loaf and Death. The studio's latest release, Vengeance Most Fowl, featuring the return of Feathers McGraw, won two BAFTAs and earned an Oscar nomination.

Author: Lucas Grant