Independent studio, Aardman, has entered into a creative partnership with Wild in Art to produce public art trails featuring sculptures of Morph and Shaun the Sheep in towns and cities across Britain.  

The characters will provide a 3D canvas and creative inspiration, for a wealth of art and design from a curated mix of well-known and emerging artists. The new trails will further Wild in Art’s mission to bring art out of the gallery and create shared experiences, while the learning programs and activations develop the next generation of artists.  

 The first sculpture trail to feature Morph launched on Jan. 29, when Morph’s Epic Art Adventure arrived in North Tyneside.   

This first event, hosted by North Tyneside Council, will see “Morph of the North” with 20 5’9’’ (1.8m) tall Morph sculptures decorated by commissioned artists from across the country with a wide range of themes including floral, character designs and plays on the word, “Morph.”  

This is the second Wild in Art trail to take place in and around North Tyneside Town Centre, following the delivery of “The Snowman and The Snowdog” in winter 2020. The aim is to drive foot traffic into town centers, supporting the local economy, while encouraging families to get outdoors and active, and nurture an interest in art and creativity in the community.  

The opportunity to host a “Morph’s Epic Art Adventure” trail is open to towns and cities across the U.K. Shaun the Sheep will be the second collaboration as part of the new partnership, and news and opportunities for the concept will be announced soon.  

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Aardman and to bring these internationally renowned characters to art trails across the U.K.,” says Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder, Wild in Art. “Morph and Shaun the Sheep will bring color and creativity to host locations. Each sculpture will be a conversation starter, with a different story to tell, allowing residents and visitors to explore their town or city from a different perspective. It’s a COVID-friendly way for people to socialize, support local artists and our charity partners/a local charity and enjoy some exercise in the fresh air. We’ve got some exciting plans in development, and we look forward to revealing more host locations in the coming months.”  

“We are very happy to be working with the great team at Wild in Art to bring more art trails featuring our characters to the streets of the U.K., including the inaugural Morph art trail – a character that’s encouraged creativity in generations of kids since the seventies,” says Rob Goodchild, commercial director, Aardman. “We look forward to finding fun and creative angles to connect our characters with each location and inspire people – young and old – to get creative.”