Aardman puppets headline Propstore auction for studio’s 50th anniversary

Propstore and Aardman are launching a live auction Sept. 24 featuring more than 220 pieces from nearly every Aardman production, with bidding open now and lots starting at $132. The sale includes Wallace, Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Feathers McGraw, Morph and Chas puppets, and proceeds will fund Aardman talent development programs.

Why it matters: - The auction turns Aardman’s 50-year history into a collector event with global access and a low entry price, broadening who can bid on animation memorabilia. - Proceeds will support Aardman Academy bursaries, skills development programs and opportunities for emerging filmmakers. - The sale links fan nostalgia to workforce development in animation, which could help expand access to training in the industry.

What happened: - Propstore and Aardman partnered on a live auction set for Sept. 24, 2026. - Bidding opened Sept. 4, 2026, as Aardman marked its 50th anniversary. - The auction includes more than 220 pieces from nearly every Aardman production across the studio’s history. - Every lot starts at $132. - Bidders worldwide can participate through global online, absentee and telephone bidding. - Registration is open now, and the full catalog is available at the auction catalog.

The details: - The top items include a screen-matched Wallace stop-motion puppet from Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024). - The auction also features a Gromit puppet and a Feathers McGraw puppet with his signature red-glove disguise from the same film. - A Shaun the Sheep stop-motion puppet from Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (2026) is also included. - The Shaun film is due to launch in cinemas later this month as a Halloween adventure. - The collection includes original clay Morph and Chas stop-motion puppets made by Aardman co-founder Peter Lord. - Morph first appeared in 1977, making the character the studio’s earliest on-screen creation in the collection. - Propstore said the auction includes pieces from nearly every Aardman production. - A registered entrant will also be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win a Blue Teapot from Shaun the Sheep (TV Series, 2007-2025). - The full catalog includes original Nick Park sketch material created for the anniversary sale.

Between the lines: - The lineup leans on the studio’s most recognizable characters, which should widen interest beyond hardcore collectors to casual fans. - Starting bids at $132 make the sale unusually accessible for a memorabilia auction of this scale. - The auction doubles as a fundraising vehicle and a brand celebration, reinforcing Aardman’s long-term focus on craft and training.

What's next: - The live auction will conclude on Sept. 24, 2026. - Propstore will continue taking bids through online, absentee and telephone channels until the sale ends. - Aardman plans to invest proceeds into training and talent development initiatives, including the Aardman Academy. - The studio’s 50th-anniversary celebrations continue with other events and releases, including Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.