Wallace, Gromit and Shaun the Sheep Bring Aardman Magic to Life in Bethnal Green!
For fans of the much-loved Wallace and Gromit, the mischievous Shaun the Sheep and the wonderfully creative world of Aardman Animations, a truly special exhibition is taking place at the Young V&A in Bethnal Green. We paid a visit to this celebration of British animation and discovered a fascinating journey into the imagination, creativity and craftsmanship behind some of our best-loved characters.
Titled Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends, the exhibition celebrates 50 years of Aardman Animations, taking visitors behind the scenes to discover how its iconic characters and stories are brought to life.
And there is far more to it than simply seeing familiar faces.
More than 150 objects from Aardman’s archives are on display, including original models, puppets, props, early character sketches, storyboards and miniature sets.
Visitors can discover how the characters developed from initial drawings into the instantly recognisable personalities that have entertained generations.
Among the highlights are early ideas for Wallace and Gromit, development sketches for Morph, the hand-drawn storyboard for the famous train chase in The Wrong Trousers, and Wallace and Gromit’s motorbike and sidecar from Vengeance Most Fowl.
The exhibition also explores the extraordinary process of stop-motion animation, revealing the painstaking work involved in making characters appear to move, speak and interact on screen.
From storyboarding and model-making to filming, lighting and production, it offers a fascinating insight into the skill, patience and imagination behind Aardman’s films.
Younger visitors are also encouraged to get creative, with interactive activities introducing them to the techniques used by animators, including creating storyboards, designing characters and experimenting with lighting.
But this is certainly not just an exhibition for children.
For adults who grew up watching Wallace and Gromit, laughed along with Shaun and his flock, or remember the unmistakable charm of Morph, it is a wonderful opportunity to revisit some much-loved characters and discover the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes.
Aardman’s distinctive humour and handmade animation have become part of British popular culture, and this exhibition celebrates the people, ideas and craftsmanship that have made the studio such a success.
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends is on at the Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London, E2 9PA.
The exhibition runs until Sunday 15 November 2026.
For further information, visit the Young V&A website
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