Inside Aardman: A Cracking Journey into Stop-Motion Magic
The Young V&A’s “Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends” exhibition celebrates Aardman Animations‘ 50 years of stop-motion magic, transforming plasticine into beloved characters like Morph, Shaun the Sheep, and the iconic duo, Wallace and Gromit. The show, which the review declares “absolutely cracking,” successfully lives up to high expectations by offering an immersive journey into the studio’s creative process.
Visitors are guided step-by-step through the intricate world of animation production, starting with initial rough sketches and storyboards. Examples include Wallace’s early design as a moustachioed postman with a narrower face, and Nick Park’s detailed comic book-like layouts for “The Wrong Trousers” train chase, likened to viewing an original draft of “Casablanca’s” climax. The exhibition then moves through modelling workshops, showcasing original sets like a large one from “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” and a surprisingly hefty galleon from “The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!”, before concluding with post-production insights.
A key benefit is the exhibition’s attention to detail, revealing fascinating tidbits such as the rivets on Wallace and Gromit’s moon rocket being glued-on lentils. Educational videos featuring creators like Nick Park explain the enduring strength of their humor. Crucially, “Inside Aardman” excels in its hands-on elements, designed to engage all ages, particularly children. Kids are encouraged to sketch characters, experiment with lighting in Feathers McGraw’s prison cell, record their own stop-motion scenes, and even perform as Foley artists using coconuts. This interactive approach demystifies the animation process, inviting young minds to understand, question, and actively participate, potentially inspiring the next generation of animators. The exhibition runs until November 2026, with tickets valid for the entire duration, encouraging multiple visits.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/art-and-photography/review-inside-aardman-at-young-v-a-is-cracking)
