Home > Guide Book > Wallace and Gromit and Aardman Animations

Wallace and Gromit and Aardman Animations

Aardman Animations are the creative force behind household names including Morph, Creature Comforts, Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run.

A Brief History

The company was co-founded in Bristol in 1976 by Peter Lord and David Sproxton. They created the Plasticine character Morph, who starred in Take Hart and Hart Beat, before appearing in his own series 'The Amazing Adventures of Morph'.

Nick Park joined Aardman Animations in 1985 where he finished 'A Grand Day Out'. In 1986 the team worked on Peter Gabriel's legendary 'Sledgehammer' video.

The Wrong Trousers in 1993 became one of the most popular animated short films, followed by 'A Close Shave' in 1995.

A new Aardman Features studio was created in Bristol, and the hugely-popular Chicken Run released in 2000 was the first film to be made there, followed by Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit in 2005.

Aardman' have also worked on numerous TV commercials, including top brands like PG Tips and produce around 25-30 commercials every year. Angry Kid has become a popular BBC3 character and there are many more films, commercials and series in the pipeline - watch this space!

New Wallace and Gromit Film Announced - Trouble At' Mill

Wallace and Gromit are to appear in a new short film Trouble At' Mill which follows the duo's attempts to run a bakery. The film will be shown on TV in 2008.

Aardman Animations Films

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005), Chicken Run (2000), A Close Shave (1995), The Wrong Trousers (1993), Grand Day Out (1989)

We caught up with Nick Park to find out what he loves about Bristol

"I came here for the Plasticine, but the city was a bonus," he laughs. "I was living in London, depressed and trying to survive on the dole for a year or two. Then Pete and Dave offered to help me finish my first film in Bristol. It was just wonderful, really - exactly what I needed. What I love about Bristol is that it's got the buzz of a city but you can still walk down the street and bump into people you know. There's a very good community feel."

Being a keen naturalist, the immediate proximity of the countryside was also a great attraction for Nick, who can often be seen watching the peregrine falcons that nest in the Avon Gorge.

"I also love Clifton Village and often go there for a cappuccino in one of the many cafes."
Nick can sometimes be found in The Mall pub in Clifton and enjoys eating out. "A restaurant I discovered recently was Teohs in St. Pauls. It was excellent - fantastic Thai food. It's runs in a very ethical way, keeping the quality high and the prices low."