A One Direction Gromit!
7 June 2013, 15:19 | Updated: 7 June 2013, 15:38
One Direction’s Zayn Malik has designed a Gromit to raise money for charity.
The singer has been inspired by stars of comic books and the big screen to create a giant Gromit sculpture for the high profile public arts trail taking place in Bristol this summer.
Zayn says:
'I’m absolutely delighted to be able to lend my support to Gromit Unleashed to raise funds for Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal.
'Being asked to design and paint a Gromit was an absolute honour and despite being busy on tour, it’s given me something to look forward to on my down time in between shows.
'My house is going to feel a whole lot emptier and a lot less green without it!'
Zayn Malik’s ‘The Green Gromit’ is one of eighty individually-designed giant sculptures of Gromit that will populate Bristol and beyond for ten weeks from 1st July until 8th September.
The project, organised by Aardman Animations and Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, will see Nick Park’s internationally-renowned character re-imagined by a host of well-known celebrities and artists.
During the trail, Zayn’s ‘The Green Gromit’ will be displayed at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol.
Zayn Malik joins a prestigious line-up of famous names including Nick Park, Sir Quentin Blake, Raymond Briggs, Cath Kidston, Sir Paul Smith, The Beano and Harry Hill, each transforming the 5ft (1.5m) statues with their individual designs, alongside local artists.
More famous names and designs will be revealed in the lead up to the public arts trail.
After the trail, the Gromit sculptures will be auctioned off to the highest bidders in aid of Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal. To register your interest in bidding, please email auction@gromitunleashed.org.uk.
All funds from Gromit Unleashed will go towards the charity’s appeal to support the expansion of Bristol Children’s Hospital, one of the leading multi-disciplinary children’s hospitals in the UK, to support sick children and babies in Bristol and beyond.
The Grand Appeal is working with Wild in Art, a leading arts and education company which produces mass participation events in cities, to deliver Gromit Unleashed.
With the support of tourism agencies VisitEngland and Destination Bristol, Gromit Unleashed will help raise the profile of the city to tourists across the UK and beyond.
For more information and the latest news on the project, visit www.gromitunleashed.org.uk.