The much-loved Gromit Unleashed 3 sculptures went under the hammer in a spectacular charity auction at the Gromit Unleashed Pavilion, Cribbs Mall, Bristol. Presiding over the bidding was esteemed auctioneer, Helena Newman, chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, who brought world-class expertise to what proved to be a landmark fundraising event.
In total, Gromit Unleashed 3 has raised £2,000,000 for The Grand Appeal, supporting Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.
Over 50 unique sculptures, including all the stars of this summer’s trail plus the Gromit Unleashed Miniature Collection, were sold to eager bidders. From five-foot-tall Gromits to Wallace-adorned benches, dazzling Norbots, mischievous Feathers McGraws and even a framed painting of ‘Feathers with the Pearl Earring.’ Every piece offered bidders the chance to own a piece of Bristol’s cultural history while supporting sick children and babies.
Among the highlights, Darth McGraw, Bobby Dazzler, and the framed picture of Bird with a Diamond Earring attracted fierce competition. In order, selling for £70,000, £65,000, and £60,000. Bidders joined from across the UK and around the world, underlining the global appeal of the collection.
Stars from the Gromit Unleashed 3 cast included Yellow Submarine, in collaboration with Paul McCartney; Gromit Woody, in collaboration with Pixar; Netflix’s Wednesday; Love, Actually in partnership with Richard Curtis; Darth McGraw in collaboration with Lucasfilm; Poppy in collaboration with DreamWorks; Starcatcher by Oliver Jeffers; El Plumas by Jorge R. Guitiérrez; and Big Friendly Wallace inspired by Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant.
To complete the line-up, an authenticated print of Banksy’s Toxic Mary, gifted to the charity by a long-term benefactor, proved another auction favourite, raising £19,000.
Funds raised from Gromit Unleashed 3 will support The Grand Appeal’s ongoing work at Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital, including the building of the UK’s first dedicated Patient Hotel, arts, music and play programmes, pioneering equipment, life-saving research, and accommodation for families in need during their darkest days.
Nicola Masters, director of The Grand Appeal, said: “What an incredible night! To see these much-loved characters go under the hammer and raise such an astonishing amount is truly humbling. We are so grateful to every bidder, sponsor, artist and supporter who made this possible. These funds will make a life-changing difference for sick children and babies cared for at Bristol Children’s Hospital and St Michael’s Hospital.”
Helena Newman, chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, added: “It was an honour to host such an extraordinary auction, bringing together the creative genius of some of the most iconic names in art, film, music and literature, in partnership with Aardman. Every sculpture was a work of love and imagination, created with the purpose of helping The Grand Appeal in its vital mission.”
This year, The Grand Appeal and Aardman celebrate a 30-year partnership of Wallace & Gromit spearheading the charity’s fundraising. The partnership was first conceived in 1995 to help raise money to build the Bristol Children’s Hospital on Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol. Since then, The Grand Appeal has generated £90 million for Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity and the Neonatal Intensive Care Ward at St Michael’s Hospital.
To keep up to date with the latest news from The Grand Appeal and Gromit Unleashed, visit www.gromitunleashed.org.uk and follow @TheGrandAppeal across Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, and @GromitUnleashed on Facebook and X.
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