Fans of beloved British animation are in for a grand day out as the Young V&A in east London prepares to host a major exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Aardman studios. Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends will open its doors on 12 February 2026, offering an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind the studio's most famous characters.
Demystifying the Magic of Animation
Alex Newson, the chief curator at the Young V&A, aims to demystify the intricate process of stop-motion animation that has made Aardman a household name worldwide. He emphasises that while the studio's work involves phenomenal skill, the art form remains remarkably accessible. Anyone can make a stop-motion animation in their home with very minimal equipment, Newson revealed, hoping to inspire a new generation of creators.
The exhibition will feature an impressive 150 items drawn from Aardman's rich history. Visitors can expect to see original sets, detailed storyboards, and iconic props that trace the journey of ideas from initial sketches on a kitchen table to Oscar-winning films.
Iconic Props and Unforgettable Scenes
Among the highlights will be the legendary train chase scene from Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, displayed with its original storyboards. Newson described this sequence as groundbreaking, noting that nothing quite like it had been filmed before in stop-motion animation.
The exhibition will also showcase the interior and exterior of the submarine from the recent critical and ratings success, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, featuring the duo's arch nemesis Feathers McGraw. This latest instalment proves the enduring appeal of the cheese-loving inventor and his intelligent dog.
A Celebration of British Animation Excellence
The exhibition forms a central part of Aardman's 50th anniversary celebrations throughout 2026. The studio's journey began when founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton started creating projects on their kitchen tables while still at school. Their first creation, Morph, became a television sensation on Take Hart.
Aardman's breakthrough came in 1989 when Nick Park directed A Grand Day Out, introducing Wallace and Gromit to mainstream audiences. The studio has since won four Academy Awards and created other beloved characters including Shaun the Sheep and Norbot.
In 2018, Lord and Sproxton ensured the studio's independence by transferring a 75% stake to their 140 employees through a trust structure similar to the John Lewis partnership. This move safeguards the creative future of one of Britain's most celebrated animation studios.
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends runs at the Young V&A from 12 February to 15 November 2026, offering families and animation enthusiasts alike a unique opportunity to explore five decades of creative genius.
