Wallace and Gromit villain Feathers McGraw has made a surprise appearance to mark the reopening of The National Science and Media Museum.
The model structure, a 2m tall replica of the Techno Trousers first seen in Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, is taking centre stage in the museum’s reopening celebration A Grand Day Out on Saturday, January 11. The venue has enjoyed a £6m makeover.
The one-of-a-kind model, crafted by Aardman exclusively for the Bradford museum, will create a wow and selfie moment for new and returning visitors alike as they’re welcomed into the museum’s new foyer space. The object sees the trousers, accompanied by beloved penguin super-villain Feathers McGraw, climbing the museum’s wall above the welcome desk. As well as creating a striking moment in the museum’s revamped foyer, the model makes a playful reference to the plot of The Wrong Trousers, where Feathers McGraw uses the Techno Trousers to dupe Wallace into stealing a diamond from the city museum, which makes a comeback in their latest adventure too.
During A Grand Day Out on Saturday, January 11 visitors can enjoy hands-on model making workshops with Aardman, as well as live science shows from the museum’s team of Explainers. Wallace and Gromit will also be taking over Pictureville Cinema, offering the chance to catch five of their most loved titles on the big screen for free – including Feathers McGraw’s most recent adventure – Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
The partnership comes as part of a long-standing relationship between the National Science and Media Museum and Aardman, with the museum showcasing animation technology as part of its core collection. The museum has previously featured Aardman’s pioneering work, including their first creation, Morph, and props from classic Wallace and Gromit films, in both temporary exhibitions and permanent displays. Morph has also emblazoned the museum’s facade to herald its reopening, on a huge banner warmly welcoming people to come and enjoy the newly revamped museum.
Visitors eager for more Aardman magic can look forward to the museum’s new Sound and Vision galleries, launching in summer 2025. The new permanent displays will take visitors on a journey through the explosion of media technologies and their impact on our lives, including additional Aardman treasures and a broader celebration of animation.
Commenting on the new star object, Ngaio Harding-Hill, head of attractions and live experiences at Aardman, said: “We are delighted to build on Aardman’s longstanding relationship with the National Science and Media Museum with these infamous trousers and our favourite penguin mastermind forming part of their grand reopening and exciting future in such an impactful way for visitors to enjoy, at a time where Wallace and Gromit themselves are also making such a grand comeback.”
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