An undersea-themed Gromit is to go on display at Bristol Aquarium on Monday, February 9th, following an epic journey from the other side of the world.
‘Jacques Gromit’, who was named after the legendary French diver and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau, was part of the Hong Kong version of the ‘Gromit Unleashed’ trail.
It was inspired by the hugely popular 2013 trail in Bristol which raised £2.3 million for Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal.
Jacques was one of three Gromit statues which were bought via an online charity auction by Bristol-based Keith Rodgerson along with Gromit Sundae and Cupcake Gromit.
The Gromits took five weeks to be shipped to the UK and Keith now plans to lend them to local businesses to help raise funds for the Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Bristol Aquarium’s Sarah Moore said: “We were absolutely delighted when Keith approached us to see if we would be able to provide Jacques with a temporary home here at the aquarium.
“It really is the perfect environment and we’re sure he’ll help raise lots more much-needed funds for a fantastic charity.
“In 2013 we were lucky enough to have another fishy-themed Gromit on display here and he was phenomenally popular so it’s lovely to be able to welcome his canine cousin as well,” she added.
Jacques will be at the aquarium for a fortnight and visitors will be able to pop any spare change into a collecting tin for the Grand Appeal, the official charity from the 2013 Gromit Unleashed Trail.
“There is so much interest in seeing him on display in public by the Gromit fans of Bristol,” said Keith.
“Though I’m sure he will also be a big hit with the aquarium visitors from far and wide, and who knows there may be more Gromits appearing at the aquarium later this year,” he added.
Over the summer (July 6th – Aug 31st) more than 100 giant sculptures of Shaun the Sheep created by artists, celebrities and designers which are being placed in iconic locations and beautiful green spaces across Bristol.
Issued by Bristol Aquarium. For more information please contact Sarah Moore or David Waines on 0117 929 8929.
