A Very Sad Day for Aardman

A horrible fire has engulfed the archives of Aardman Animations, completely destroying most of the company’s entire history. Aardman Animations is responsible for such gems as the Wallace and Gromit shorts, Chicken Run, and all those Shell commercials with the talking cars.

I can’t imagine how the artists must feel. Claymation is extremely tedious and taxing, and it takes immeasurable talent and skill to do it effectively. So much time and effort goes in to creating claymation, and yet Aardman does it better than anyone, making it seem effortless and believeable. So horrible that this had to happen. Even creator Nick Park’s original characters from his very first claymation movie were destroyed.

If you haven’t seen the Wallace and Gromit shorts, their new movie, or Chicken Run, you are missing out on perfection. I encourage everyone out there to go out and buy any and every Aardman Animation DVD you can find. Not only will you be helping spread the joy of Aardman, but you will own the absolute best form of claymation art ever created. These endearing shorts will put am immediate smile on your face.

As an artist, I understand all too well what it’s like to pour your heart and soul into your artwork. I know how difficult it is to animate something, be it on the computer, by hand-drawn animation, or with claymation. I sympathize with Nick Park, Steve Box, Peter Lord, and all at Aardman. I am thankful no one was hurt in the incident, and I know that Aardman will continue on, keeping their heads held high, continuing to create some of the most sweet and genuinely funny jewels in the entertainment world.

Thank you, all at Aardman Animations, for your dedication. Thank you for creating the best in Family Entertainment. Don’t let this get you down. The whole world loves all that you do.

BBC News coverage here