Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) is once again supporting this year's Grand Appeal summer art trail, Gromit Unleashed 2, which officially opens today (2 July).
WBD is sponsoring 'Wallambard' – a Wallace sculpture located near the SS Great Britain, posing as Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of the most ingenious and prolific figures in engineering history having designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the SS Great Britain, the Great Western Railway and the Thames Tunnel to name just a few.
The Gromit Unleashed 2 trail features 67 giant sculptures designed by high-profile artists, designers, innovators and local talent. Sculptures are positioned in high footfall and iconic locations around Bristol and the surrounding area.
Created by The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, and in partnership with world leader in animation Aardman, Gromit Unleashed 2 is the first trail in the world to feature three licensed characters including Wallace, Gromit and Feathers McGraw.
Founded in 1995, The Grand Appeal is an award-winning charity which has raised over £50 million to save lives and support sick children and their families at Bristol Children’s Hospital. The Grand Appeal supports the hospital by funding pioneering, life-saving equipment and research, arts, music and play therapies and services and by providing free accommodation to families of critically ill patients.
Julian Kinsey, Partner and Head of the Bristol office at WBD, said:
"Aardman's Wallace and Gromit are part of our city's DNA and a real success story for Bristol, boosting our city's creative and artistic talent whilst showcasing Bristol on the national and international stage. We're excited to sponsor 'Wallambard' and to be involved once again in this original project that presents the perfect opportunity to engage our people, clients and their families in a fun way.
"As proud sponsors and members of the Being Brunel Corporate Club, we are really pleased that our sculpture is located near to Brunel’s SS Great Britain. This superb venue now also includes the Being Brunel museum, bringing to life the work of one of the greatest engineers who has ever lived and who will continue to inspire generations to come.
"We're also delighted to be supporting The Grand Appeal, Bristol Children's Hospital Charity. As a successful Bristol business we are committed to supporting our local community and to playing our role in creating better places to live, work and do business."
Matthew Tanner, Chief Executive of the SS Great Britain Trust, added:
“We are delighted that Womble Bond Dickinson has sponsored a sculpture for the popular Gromit Unleashed 2 Trail and chosen to locate it on Brunel Square. Womble Bond Dickinson is an important corporate supporter of the Trust’s work inspiring future generations of engineers and entrepreneurs, so welcoming their Brunel-themed Wallace is a perfect addition to the citywide trail.”
Nicola Masters, Director of The Grand Appeal:
“It’s absolutely fantastic to see Gromit return to Bristol with Wallace and Feathers McGraw in such a huge array of disguises and designs!
“Gromit Unleashed 2 showcases everything that’s wonderful about this city: its rich heritage in engineering and science, its creativity, its culture, and of course Bristol Children’s Hospital. We are incredibly fortunate to have a world-class facility on our doorstep, and we look forward to raising vital funds for the 100,000 sick children and babies cared for there each year.”
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