Art lovers and Wallace & Gromit fans have a unique opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind, 5-foot-tall Gromit sculpture for just £5 (approximately $6) through The Grand Appeal charity raffle. The full-size sculpture, titled "Treasured Island," is currently part of the popular Gromit Unleashed 3 trail taking place across Bristol, England.
The spectacular sculpture draws inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure novel "Treasure Island" and features intricate hand-painted details created by Laura Hallett, a Bristol-based artist and illustrator. The artwork is sponsored by SW and represents just one of many creative interpretations featured in this summer's citywide art installation.
Visitors can currently view "Treasured Island" at St Mary Redcliffe, where the seafaring-themed sculpture is displayed until the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail concludes on Sunday, August 31. Following the trail's end, the sculpture will be moved to "The Greatest Dog Show on Earth" exhibition at Cribbs Mall, running from Saturday, September 13 through Sunday, September 28, where it will be displayed alongside the complete collection of Gromit Unleashed 3 sculptures.
The raffle offers an alternative to the traditional auction format that typically follows these art trails. Participants can purchase raffle tickets for just £5 each, with a maximum of 20 tickets per person allowed. The raffle will close on Friday, October 3 at 11 AM, with the winner selected on the same day.
"Fancy seeing this loveable pooch guarding your treasure? For just £5, you could be the captain who brings Gromit home!" commented Nicola Masters, director at The Grand Appeal. She emphasized that each raffle ticket not only provides a chance to win Bristol's favorite canine sidekick but also supports vital, life-changing services at Bristol Children's Hospital and St Michael's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
The Gromit Unleashed 3 trail has already demonstrated significant impact across Bristol, attracting tourists and visitors from beyond the city specifically to experience the art installation. For those interested in viewing the complete collection, tickets for "The Greatest Dog Show on Earth" exhibition are available through The Grand Appeal website, priced at £6 for adults and £4 for children, plus booking fees.
This year's event marks a significant milestone, as The Grand Appeal and Aardman Animations celebrate their 30-year partnership featuring Wallace & Gromit as the cornerstone of the charity's fundraising efforts. The collaboration began in 1995 to help raise funds for building the Bristol Children's Hospital on Upper Maudlin Street in Bristol. Since its inception, The Grand Appeal has generated £90 million to support the children's hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael's Hospital, demonstrating the lasting impact of this creative fundraising approach.
