Gromit Unleashed 2 in world-first: interactive sculptures unveiled for the first time ever
Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital charity, has unveiled the ground-breaking interactive sculptures featuring in its upcoming charity sculpture trail, Gromit Unleashed 2.
In a first for sculpture trails around the world, three of Bristol’s world-leaders in engineering – Renishaw, Rolls-Royce and the University of Bristol – have harnessed pioneering technology to create trailblazing, interactive sculptures which showcase Bristol’s diverse creative and tech industries, and Gromjet - a high-flying Gromit created by Rolls-Royce plc - will be on display free to visit at Aerospace Bristol.
Gromjet – Rolls-Royce
Recognising the importance of engineering and aviation in Bristol’s past, present and future is Gromjet, the high-flying Gromit brought to life by industrial technology company Rolls-Royce.
Using the same technology reserved for its Pegasus engine on the Harrier and the LiftSystemTM on the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, the engineering team behind Gromit also equipped him with hybrid-electric engines which take him to new heights – literally! Rising up to one metre, Gromjet is the result of advanced processes and technologies such as 3D scanning and 3D printing.
Paul Craig, Defence Services President at Rolls-Royce: “When the opportunity to be a Trailblazer for Gromit Unleashed 2 was offered to us, we jumped at the chance to be involved - developing our own, very special design. To continue to support The Grand Appeal and be part of this now world-famous arts trail is a unique opportunity for us to showcase our capabilities as a leading industrial technology company and more importantly, to raise money for the world-class hospital we have on our doorstep.”
Nicola Masters, Director of The Grand Appeal: “Watching Gromitronic, Gromjet and A Grand Gromplication slowly come to life over the last six months has been the most exciting wait of our lives! We are absolutely delighted with the incredible results and are so grateful to every single person involved for helping us take Gromit Unleashed 2 into totally new territory.
“To quote a certain inventor, "We've tested this on Gromit - haven't we lad?".
As well as commissioning the unique Trailblazer sculptures, The Grand Appeal has also partnered with global payments technology company Creditcall, the final Trailblazer, to provide contactless payment technology and help drive fundraising for Bristol Children’s Hospital during the trail.
Make a day of it and enjoy the museum after getting your Gromjet selfie, it’s going to be a cracking summer!