Aardman Auctions Original Wallace & Gromit Puppets for 50th Anniversary

Aardman Animations is celebrating its 50th anniversary by auctioning over 220 original stop-motion puppets and props from its extensive production history. The sale, conducted in partnership with memorabilia specialist Propstore, marks the first time the Bristol-based animation studio has offered such a comprehensive collection of its archive to the public. The auction features items spanning nearly every production from the studio's five-decade existence, from its earliest clay figures to characters from its most recent productions.

The highlight of the auction includes screen-used, stop-motion puppets of Wallace, Gromit, and the notorious criminal mastermind Feathers McGraw from the 2024 film "Vengeance Most Fowl." These are not replicas but the actual physical figures that animators manipulated frame by frame to bring the characters to life. Feathers McGraw's puppet is presented with his signature red-glove disguise. The collection also delves into Aardman's foundational work, featuring the original clay Morph and Chas puppets. These figures were hand-built by Aardman co-founder Sir Peter Lord and represent the character Morph, who first appeared in 1977, effectively launching the studio's on-screen narrative and remaining a key part of the Aardman identity for nearly 50 years.

Bridging Aardman's early and modern eras, the auction includes a puppet of Shaun the Sheep from the forthcoming "Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom," scheduled for release in 2026. Shaun the Sheep originally debuted in the Academy Award-winning short "A Close Shave" in 1995 before starring in his own successful series and feature films. The inclusion of this puppet acknowledges the character's evolution and enduring popularity within the Aardman universe. The sale aims to provide accessibility to these iconic pieces of animation history, moving away from estimates typically reserved for institutional acquisitions.

Beyond celebrating its legacy, the auction serves as a significant fundraiser for Aardman's educational initiatives. Proceeds from the sale will be directed towards bursaries and skills development programs at the Aardman Academy. This initiative underscores the studio's commitment to nurturing new talent and ensuring the future of stop-motion animation. The comprehensive collection offers fans and collectors a unique opportunity to own a tangible piece of animation history, directly supporting the studio's ongoing mission to create beloved characters and stories for future generations. The auction is expected to draw significant interest from collectors worldwide, given the global recognition and affection for Aardman's creations.