25th anniversary of Sheffield's Wallace and Gromit is being marked with release of rare collectables

To celebrate the silver jubilee of Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave rare new models depicting the film’s pivotal scene are being released.
The collectors item now available to mark 25 years of Wallace and GromitThe collectors item now available to mark 25 years of Wallace and Gromit
The collectors item now available to mark 25 years of Wallace and Gromit

Director Nick Park studied Communication Arts at Sheffield City Polytechnic, now Sheffield Hallam University, and it was here he gave life to Yorkshire’s most lovable cartoon duo.

To mark the anniversary of the much-loved film’s 1995 release, which is credited with raising the profile of Yorkshire’s Wensleydale cheese, the creators at The Vine Lab have partnered with Aardman to design an exclusive collectors’ model of one of the most memorable scenes from the Academy Award-winning animation.

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The highly detailed, silver effect model will depict the moment that Gromit flies into the air in his sidecar plane at the end of the sequence that ultimately leads to the demise of the film’s villain, Preston. Designed using rare production images from the making of the film, the intricate model includes a host of extra-special details, such as limited edition numbering and unique Aardman fingerprint signature.

Merlin Crossingham, creative director of Wallace & Gromit at Aardman said: “We are really excited to have teamed up with The Vine Lab to create a very special 25th anniversary collectable.

"It’s obvious to us that the team at The Vine Lab are huge fans of our work and they have crammed in all of the amazing detail we expect from our models into this collectable and the packaging. We are so pleased to offer something truly unique to our fans and would love for them to get involved in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

In a nod to the film’s original release date, there will be just 1,995 models available as part of the special edition release. However, in order to make the concept a reality, The Vine Lab is asking fans to pledge their interest in securing one of the unique models via crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. The site will be live until November 26, or until all the models have been claimed.

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There are various pledge packages available to suit a variety of budgets, each offering an opportunity to access original sketches and unseen behind-the-scenes content from the making of the film. Early-bird prices for the model start at £225, and come complete with white handling gloves, a certificate of authenticity, a storyboard print, behind the scenes art cards, and an acknowledgement in the end credits. In addition, there are five deluxe packages available for £2,500, which include an illustration signed by Nick Park, The Making Of book signed by Merlin Crossingham, and the money-can’t-buy opportunity to receive a personalised Aardman model, along with all of the exclusive content included within the other packages.

Emma Beeson, Co-Founder of The Vine Lab, added: “At The Vine Lab, we are huge fans of Aardman and we know that Wallace and Gromit hold a special place in the hearts of Yorkshire residents too. We have worked painstakingly and affectionately to recreate Gromit’s plane using hundreds of archived images and rare footage in order to guarantee an intricately detailed collectors’ model that we know local film fans will love. We can’t wait to work alongside our pledgers to create something truly special.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.