Morph gets £5,000 bronze makeover for 50th birthday to help save historic Bristol boatyard
The much-loved clay character is getting a seriously expensive birthday makeover, with collectors able to splash out thousands of pounds while helping restore a historic Bristol boatyard.
He has spent five decades entertaining generations of television viewers – but now Morph is getting a rather extravagant birthday present.
The much-loved animated clay character is being immortalised in solid bronze to celebrate his 50th birthday, with limited-edition statues costing up to an eye-watering £5,000. But this isn't just a treat for wealthy superfans. The unusual collectibles are being created to raise money for the restoration of Bristol's historic Underfall Yard, which was devastated by a fire in 2023.
The boatyard, which has been preserving traditional maritime skills for around 200 years, is estimated to need more than £2.6million to complete its restoration. The fundraising campaign, titled Morph'd in Bronze, has been launched by Aardman Animations, whose Bristol studio is close to the damaged site.
Prices start at £2,000 for a 5.5-inch bronze Morph, while the ultimate collector's package costs £5,000 and includes a unique one-of-a-kind statue and a meeting with the creators at Aardman's Bristol headquarters. Every figure will be cast in solid bronze by a local foundry and will even feature the distinctive thumbprint of Morph's creator, Aardman co-founder Sir Peter Lord.
Fellow co-founder Sir David Sproxton said Underfall Yard had a special place in the studio's heart, praising its traditional crafts and skilled workers. He said it was particularly fitting that the statues would be made using traditional metalworking techniques.
Metalworker David Snoo Wilson will produce the smaller figures, which are designed to reflect Bristol's cultural and commercial history. Meanwhile, the Underfall Yard Trust hopes the restoration will create more space for educational and community activities.
Director Sarah Murray described the collection as "Bristol through and through", bringing together a beloved character, local craftsmanship and maritime heritage.
Collectors can find out more and pre-order through the campaign website.
Pre-orders include a certificate of authenticity approved by Lord, Sproxton and Wilson, with additional packages offering booklets and exclusive events. The statues will be made to order and delivered in February 2027, marking 50 years since Morph first appeared on television. The fundraising campaign closes on December 17.