Jack and Toby Cavanagh from Downend meet Gromit in Staple Hill
A colourful sculpture of Aardman’s famous canine Gromit was unveiled in Staple Hill today.
The 5ft model is part of the ‘Gromit Unleashed’ tourist arts trail of 80 models, mainly in Bristol, which will be on display for 10 weeks before being auctioned off in aid of the Bristol Children’s Hospital.
The unveiling of the Staple Hill Gromit coincided with the reopening of The Square in Staple Hill after a major refurbishment. The revamped square now features a performance area for regular activities and events.
And following recent public consultation more benches have been installed around the square, new trees have been planted and paving has been laid to provide an attractive community space.
Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, Staple Hill councillor Ian Boulton and local resident Val Collins, of the Staple Hill Regeneration Partnership, cut a ribbon to declare the square open. There was also a performance of morris dancing by Staple Hill Primary School pupils.
Cllr Boulton said: “It’s fantastic that South Gloucestershire will have its very own Gromit sculptures – one in Staple Hill, some at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, and one in Bradley Stoke and Hawkesbury Upton. We are looking forward to welcoming the many visitors who will come to the area to follow the trail over the summer months.”
More details on the Gromit Unleashed trail, including the artists involved in creating the sculptures and the sponsors, is available online at http://www.gromitunleashed.org.uk
Meanwhile police are investigating damage over the weekend to two of the Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal ‘Gromit Unleashed’ statues in College Green and Welsh Back.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Stephen Bell said: “It’s hard to understand why anyone would want to damage these colourful characters which are helping to raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital.”
