Fans told ‘not to worry’ over future of Wallace and Gromit

People have been told not to worry following the closure of the Aardman Animations factory. The company, which was founded in Bristol, is famous for creating Wallace and Gromit. The future of Aardman was in doubt after its Newclay Products factory closed earlier this year.

The animation company uses Lewis Newplast - a plasticine-like material - to mould its characters. Following the closure in March, the studio purchased every block of available Lewis Newplast. According to Devon Live[1], it was enough to produce one more Wallace and Gromit film, which is set to arrive in 2024.

Aardman's latest production, the widely-anticipated Chicken Run sequel, Dawn of the Nugget, is due to be released on Netflix on December 15 and in selected cinemas from December 8. However, unless replacement material can be found, the Wallace and Gromit film will be the last they produce. Aardman took to X (formerly known as Twitter[4]) to reassure fans today.

They said: "We are touched about recent concern over the future of our beloved clay creations, but wanted to reassure fans that there is absolutely no need to worry. "We have high levels of existing stocks of modelling clay to service current and future productions and, much like Wallace in his workshop, we have been tinkering away behind the scenes for quite some time with plans in place to ensure a smooth transition to new stocks to make our iconic productions." A statement on the Newclay Products website said: "Newclay Products ceased trading effective 31st March 2023 having completed liquidation of all its physical assets.

The company's intellectual property (IP) will remain available for purchase until 31st December 2023. "Please visit the IP Sale pages for more information. Our website and some email addresses will remain functional until further notice.

"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by our closure and thank all our loyal customers and suppliers for their support and for the many messages we have received wishing us well in our retirement.

"Finally, huge thanks are due to the loyal staff members that committed to stay with us until the very end."

References

1. ^ Devon Live (www.devonlive.com)
2. ^ Two Boots branches in Bristol to close (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
3. ^ 'Dismay' as Bristol's biggest cinema set to shut for good (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
4. ^ Twitter (www.bristolpost.co.uk)