beyond goes behind the scenes at a fascinating new exhibition celebrating 50 years of Aardman Studios – the creative geniuses behind Wallace & Gromit – and enjoys a truly grand day out.

Fans of Wallace & Gromit are in for a treat if they head down to London this year with the opening of an exciting new exhibition, Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at Young V&A.

Wallace & Gromit visit Young V&A. Photo by David Parry for the V&A.

Created primarily for children and families, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the making of some of the most well-known characters of all time including the loveable cheese munching duo, Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep, Morph and many more.

Coinciding with the studio’s 50th anniversary year, Inside Aardman explores the storytelling and craft that brings their familiar and fantastical worlds from the sketchbook to the screen.

Moving through themed sections on concept development, model-making, filming and post-production, audiences will uncover the skills, tools and techniques behind the studio’s distinctive storytelling.

Over 150 objects will be on show, including Aardman’s early character sketches, concept art, puppets, character ‘bibles’, props, set models, and optical illusion toys.

Inside Aardman gives visitors the opportunity to try their hand at different parts of stop-motion animation, guiding them on how to create their own at home using everyday materials and inspiration.

Original artwork from Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out (1989) © TM Aardman Animations LTD/ Wallace & Gromit LTD.

Whether their characters are sailing on the high seas, adventuring to the moon, or escaping the chicken coop, Aardman have always drawn inspiration from the world around them and Oscar-winning creator Nick Park flew the flag for Britain with his incredible creations spanning five decades.

The first section of the exhibition explores how to develop ideas and stories. Works on display include development sketches for Morph, early sketches of Wallace & Gromit, and a hand-drawn storyboard from The Wrong Trousers (1993) train chase. There is also an interactive praxinoscope that demonstrates how images are stacked in quick succession to create stop-motion animation.

Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993) © TM Aardman Animations LTD/ Wallace & Gromit LTD.

The exhibition’s second section looks at model making, and how iconic Aardman characters, props and sets have been created. These include the beloved Lady Tottington, the distinctive rocket from Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out (1989), and the duo’s living room set. Further highlights include Wallace & Gromit’s motorbike and sidecar from Vengeance Most Fowl (2024), which has never been displayed before, as well as the largest Aardman model ever made, the galleon ship from The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! (2012).

Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993) © TM Aardman Animations LTD/ Wallace & Gromit LTD.Feathers

The exhibition goes on to look at how ideas are brought to life on set, exploring not only the process of animating but also producing, lighting design, and voice acting with behind the scenes videos and interactive activities.

Visitors will also get the chance to create their own stop motion animations, light a set, and film Live Action Videos, which are used by animators to plan a scene. A particular highlight is Wallace & Gromit’s local museum from The Wrong Trousers (1993), including an Aardman Mona Lisa.

The final section explores what comes after production is wrapped, when final edits are made and sound, music and visual effects are added to make the Aardman films audiences know and love. Visitors can create their own foley effects using everyday objects and learn about the role of visual effects in Aardman films.

Alex Newson, Chief Curator, at Young V&A, said: “Aardman quite literally began on the kitchen table, when two young school friends started experimenting with animations at home. Even though Aardman is now one of the most successful animation studios in the world, its films still have the same handcrafted feel. It is this ‘thumbiness’, as they refer to it, that makes the films so charming and well loved. This is also what makes the story so great for children. While Aardman’s films are now made by large and highly skilled teams, it’s also possible for anyone to have a go at making their own stop motion films at home with minimal equipment and experience.”

Ngaio Harding-Hill, Head of Live Attractions and Live Experiences at Aardman, said: “As Aardman celebrates its 50th anniversary, Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends offers a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the creativity and craftsmanship behind the animation process – from initial sketch through to post production.

Shaun the Sheep bike sketch © TM Aardman Animations LTD

“We hope that through this exhibition, the joy and wonder of our craft will inspire the next generation of storytellers, directors, model-makers and animators.”

Alongside the exhibition and to celebrate its 50th anniversary, Aardman have lined up a roaster of events and celebrations highlighting the craft and legacy of the studio, including the launch of a new movie, Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom in the autumn.

Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends runs until 15th November and tickets are available at
vam.ac.uk/young