Art / Cracking Exhibition Gromit
M Shed prepares to celebrate 50 years of Aardman with ‘cracking’ exhibition
Arguably the most-anticipated cultural event of 2026 in Bristol, Aardman’s major retrospective will finally open its doors to visitors on June 20.
Hosted at M Shed, just a short walk from the company’s Gas Ferry Road HQ, the exhibition will remain in its home city throughout the summer, closing on September 13.
Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol is the latest collaboration with Bristol Museums to mark the milestone anniversary – after a collection of “tiny treasures” were hidden in Bristol Museum & Art Gallery in a special springtime Mini Museum Hunt.
Founded by Peter Lord and David Sproxton in 1972, Aardman Animations moved to Bristol four years later.
Their work first came to UK TV screens with the stop-motion claymation character Morph, who made regular appearances on the children’s art show Take Hart.
Morph amongst the treasures at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, as part of the 50 years of Aardman: Mini Museum Hunt, February 2026 – photo: Bristol City Council
In the intervening decades, they have become a world-leading force in animation, characterised for their distinct aesthetic, fine detail and sense of humour.
Aardman have earned a slew of awards, numerous BAFTAs and four Academy Awards among them. Their first half-hour film alone, The Wrong Trousers (1993), has earned over 30 awards internationally.
As well as Morph and his best friend Chas, Aardman are responsible for bringing a host of beloved characters to life: from the unique double act of Wallace & Gromit to the criminal mastermind penguin Feathers McGraw, as well as Shaun the Sheep, Timmy, a multitude of chickens – including the resourceful Ginger and the self-styled “lone free ranger” Rocky the rooster – and even a glowing “rabbit-like alien” named Lu-La.
In the autumn of 2026, their half century celebrations will continue with the company’s latest film release: Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, which comes to cinemas in September.
And on October 30, the winner of the Aardman Clay Offs will be revealed; the culmination of 35 weeks of daily games on the company’s social media channels to determine the ultimate fan favourite character – from a pool of 50 clay combatants.
In the meantime, the exhibition promises to offer fans “a behind-the-scenes look at Aardman’s creative process, iconic characters, and the studio’s deep-rooted connection to Bristol.
Upcoming ‘clay off’ clashes will see Gromit pitted against Mrs Tweedy and Wallace vying to topple Shirley, the largest member of Shaun the Sheep’s flock
The collection will feature “rarely-seen models, sets and secrets” behind the success of the company.
“This joyful and nostalgic celebration will honour Aardman’s 50 years of legacy, from humble beginnings in Bristol to becoming a global creative powerhouse.”
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Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol is at M Shed on June 20-September 13, from 10am-5pm daily. For more information and tickets, visit bristolmuseums.org.uk. Under 3s go free.
Main photo: Aardman
Read next:
- Aardman treasures hidden throughout Bristol Museum
- Barcan+Kirby announced as headline sponsor of exhibition celebrating 50 years of Aardman
- Aardman’s 50th birthday to be marked with museum takeover
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