International Gromit Statues Come Home to Bristol!
Gromit sculptures that were designed for the 2014 ‘The Greatest Dog Show on Earth’ in Hong Kong will be on show at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway for 10 weeks from 1 February 2016. ‘The Greatest Dog Show on Earth’ followed the huge success of the 2013 ‘Gromit Unleashed’ statues in Bristol.
‘The Greatest Dog Show On Earth’ followed the overwhelming success of The Grand Appeal’s ‘Gromit Unleashed’ trail in Bristol in 2013, which saw 80 Gromit sculptures designed by artists, designers and celebrities raise £2.3million at auction for Bristol Children’s Hospital.
16 of the Hong Kong sculptures will go on display at The Grand Appeal’s shop at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway for 10 weeks from Monday 1 February. The line-up includes Gromits designed by Nick Park and Aardman animators Gavin Strange and Ashley Boddy.
Gavin Strange, senior designer, Aardman, said, “I am over the moon to be involved in bringing the Hong Kong ‘Gromit Unleashed’ sculptures to Bristol! My design, ‘GRMT02’, is my homage to the gigantic robots made iconic in the animations from the East. ‘GRMT’ stands for Giant Robotic Mutt Transporter and I like to imagine there’s a real-life Gromit inside the robotic suit! The ’02’ in the name is a reference to it being the second Gromit I designed for the project, as I also designed ‘Stat’s The Way To Do It, Lad!’ for the Bristol trail.
“I am honoured to have the privilege of opening the exhibition alongside my friend and colleague Ashley. I can’t wait for people to come and see the variety of designs, and once again engage with the spirit of fun that Gromit brings. It’s a real pleasure to be a part of something that is so special and so creative, while highlighting the brilliant work of The Grand Appeal in helping sick children at Bristol Children’s Hospital.”
All funds raised by donations to the exhibition, as well as all ‘Gromit Unleashed’ figurines and merchandise, will help continue to support sick children at Bristol Children’s Hospital thanks to The Grand Appeal.
The exhibition will be open from 9.30am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 5pm on Sunday. It's free to enter although there is a suggested donation of £2.
If you're unable to make it to The Mall for this great and worthy event then souvenir items in support of The Grand Appeal can be purchased from www.wallaceandgromitcharityshop.org.uk
