An exhibition in London on the creative universe of Aardman Animations: from Wallace & Gromit to Shaun the Sheep

The Young Victoria and Albert Museum, London, presents its third exhibition, Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends, open until Nov. 15, 2026. Designed especially for children and families, the exhibition invites visitors to discover thecreative universe of Aardman Animations, the studio that has brought to life beloved characters such as Wallace & Gromit, Hens on the Run, Shaun the Sheep and Morph. Organized to mark the studio’s 50th anniversary, the exhibition aims to explore the creative processes that turn an idea into an animated film. Through a journey from initial concept to post-production, audiences have the opportunity to discover the techniques and tools that make Aardman’s storytelling style unique.

The exhibition brings together more than 150 objects, including original sketches, concept art, puppets, prop models, props and production documents. The exhibits also include so-called “character bibles,” in-house manuals that define the appearance and characteristics of the main characters The exhibition also offers a highly interactive experience: visitors, especially younger ones, can experience different stages of stop-motion, learning how to make small animations even on their own at home using simple materials and everyday objects.

The first section is devoted to the birth of ideas and the development of stories. Among the materials presented are preparatory sketches for the character of Morph, early sketches for Wallace & Gromit, and a hand-drawn storyboard for the train chase scene in the Wallace & Gromit film, The Wrong Trousers (1993). A particularly curious item is the interactive praxinoscope, an optical device that shows how the rapid succession of static images can create the illusion of motion, the principle behind animation.

The second part of the exhibition delves into the making of models used in Aardman films. Iconic characters, sets and objects are displayed here, including Lady Tottington and the famous rocket from A Grand Day Out (1989), along with the living room from Wallace & Gromit. Among the most spectacular pieces are the motorcycle with sidecar from the film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024), never before exhibited, and the largest model made by the studio: the galleon from the film The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! (2012).

The third section shows how ideas take shape during filming. The audience can learn about the workings of the animation set, lighting design, dubbing, and scene planning through behind-the-scenes videos and interactive activities. Visitors can try their hand at creating a short stop-motion animation, lighting a film set, and making live action videos used by animators to create scenes. Among the more curious objects is the small local Wallace & Gromit museum featured in The Wrong Trousers, which includes an Aardman-style reinterpretation of the Mona Lisa.

The final section tells what happens after the filming: the editing of the film, the addition of music, sound effects, and visual effects that complete the narrative. Here visitors can try their hand at creating foley effects, reproducing everyday sounds, such as footsteps or object noises, using simple materials.

Also present are characters from the film Robin Robin (2021), the model airship from Pirates! (2012) and a Timmy puppet from the Timmy Time series (2009).

“Aardman was literally born on the kitchen table when two young schoolmates began experimenting with animation at home. Although today Aardman is one of the most successful animation studios in the world, its films still retain the same handcrafted touch. It is this ”spontaneity,“ as they call it, that makes the films so appealing and beloved. And it is also what makes the stories so suitable for children. Although Aardman’s films are now made by large and highly skilled teams, anyone can try their hand at creating stop-motion films at home with simple tools,” said Alex Newson, Chief Curator of Young V&A.

An exhibition in London on the creative universe of Aardman Animations: from Wallace & Gromit to Shaun the Sheep

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