Aardman exhibition marks animation studio’s half a century in Bristol

Aardman’s most famous characters, Wallace and Gromit, may be denizens of northern England but the studio’s deep-rooted connection to the south-west of the UK is being celebrated in a new show on Bristol’s harbourside. The exhibition at the M Shed, just around the corner from the Aardman base on Gas Ferry Road (a name that would not be out of place in a Wallace and Gromit adventure), shines a light on the studio’s 50 years in Bristol . It maps how Aardman rose from modest beginnings in the city and began to win the nation’s hearts and minds by moulding Morph for the children’s programme Take Hart, before going global with beloved characters such as Shaun the Sheep and the Chicken Run gang. Figures of Morph and Chas. Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/The Guardian The show features puppets galore and beautifully crafted sets and describes how Aardman’s creations draw on Bristol’s independent, sometimes rebellious spirit. “We’ve always had a creative identity that celebrated independence,” said Ngaio Harding-Hill, the director of attractions, live experiences and archive at Aardman. “I think the spirit of Bristol has always permeated our productions.” As well as entertaining and informing, the exhibition is also designed to inspire young people to consider a career in the industry. “Over the 50 years, we’ve been able to develop a great creative community in the city,” Harding-Hill said. “We hope the exhibition will make people think about a career in the creative industries. …