ACMI will host Wallace & Gromit and Friends: The Magic of Aardman as its Winter Masterpieces exhibition in 2017.
Aardman is one of the most successful animation studios in the world, best known for ‘claymation’ (clay animation) films, Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run, Creature Comforts and Shaun the Sheep. To celebrate the studio’s 40th year, ACMI will dedicate its downstairs gallery space to Aardman’s beloved craft and characters, charting the creative and technical process from idea generation to final production stages.
Photograph: Supplied
In total, the exhibition will host 350 objects, including sketchbooks, concept drawings, storyboards, puppets, props and original artworks. The gallery also welcomes over 50 set pieces, including Wallace’s Cracking Contraptions, Gromit’s beloved vegetable garden, the flying machine from Chicken Run and the ship from The Pirates! A Band of Misfits, which stands at an impressive five meters. Another exciting addition will be artworks from Aardman’s upcoming feature, Early Man, which is due for release in 2018. ACMI will present a series of film screenings, talks, workshops and education programs alongside the exhibition.
Aardman’s beloved characters have burrowed deep into our hearts, inspiring a burst of nostalgia at every opportunity. Characters are loved by people of all ages, showing depth of personality and humour. As such, the exhibition is suitable for visitors of any age.
Wallace & Gromit and Friends: The Magic of Aardman opens at ACMI on June 29, 2017.