This exhibition is a perfect blend of nostalgia for adults and inspiration for children in finding out more about stop-motion animation.
Goodness me what sheer joy this exhibition celebrating the work that Aardman studio is from start to finish. As fascinating as it is nostalgic, there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy as visitors are taken into the world and characters that Aardman have created over the years.
From designs and storyboards all the way through to the techniques used to create the stories of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph for example to life is so delightfully explored that it leaves you with a smile on your face and a deeper appreciation for stop-motion animation.
What is clear from start to finish in this concisely put together exhibition is just how beloved this studio is and how innovative their techniques have been in creating some of the most beloved feature films and characters. Whether it is seeing early drawings of Wallace and Gromit (including a version of Wallace with a beard), or watching a video of the process of putting a scene together, it is made abundantly clear that for every feature film it is a collaborative event . The exhibition doesn’t focus on the achievement of Nick Park but it feels like a celebration of all of the talent working hard and with great passion toi create something that audiences will adore for years to come.
While there is plenty of information to take in, it is broken down into interesting segments that fascinate any visitor whether they are eight years old or beyond. I loved the way in which immersive aspects are put part of the exhibition including the opportunity to create your own stop-motion film that really helps to put into perspective everything that you learn going around. Another highlight is the way in which you can play around the lighting in Feather McGraw’s prison cell in Wallace & Gromit: Vengance Most Fowl.
The models are also highly impressive including the impressive pirate ship from Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! and it is lovely to see Lady Tottington on display and discovering her walk was created, or seeing how the were-rabbit was developed, you get a real sense of just how the studio has grown and embraced changing technology to create even more impressive features.
This is a carefully curated exhibition but it is also playful and a whole lot of fun to linger over, there is colour and vibrancy throughout – but it also unites people. As I was wondering around all the adults were smiling and chatting with each other whether they knew each other or not showing just how big of a part Aardman studios has played in people’s lives.
What is also interesting is the way in which it is a celebration of the studio and doesn’t focus on past achievements (and is actually quite modest in that regard), but there is an earnestness in encouraging younger generations to get involved. It encourages imagination beautifully well.
There is so much to take in that it is certainly worth taking a second visit, even if it is particularly to see the clips of the features that the studio has created to really showcase just how fas Aardman has come.
A delight from start to finish, Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends will certainly bring out the child within as an adult and hopefully inspire future animators of the future.
By Emma Clarendon
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️