Collecting Morph A look at Morph Collectables – With the the amazing Morph’s Epic Art Adventure, featuring 56 super-sized sculptures of everyone’s favourite plasticine figure, we thought it would be of interest to look at some of the other Morph collectables and memorabilia that has been available over the years. We also look at some original Aardman Animations Morph figures.
First making his debut on children’s BBC programme Take Hart in 1977, Morph quickly captured the hearts of audiences with his unique charm and playful antics. Created by Aardman Animations, Morph was one of their earliest clay characters and paved the way for the studio’s iconic creations like Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. Alongside his partner-in-crime, Chas, Morph became a regular fixture on children’s TV in the 70s and 80s, leaving an indelible mark on British animation.
Despite a hiatus following his initial run, Morph experienced a triumphant comeback in 2013, thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign that showcased the enduring love and nostalgia for this beloved character. With a loyal fan base of nostalgic adults and a growing audience of children, Morph’s adventures continue to entertain on his YouTube channel and through appearances on Sky Kids. His mischievous nature remains as vibrant as ever, even as he enters his 40s.
Morph’s distinctive clay stop-motion animation style and his ability to change shape have been defining characteristics throughout his animated journey. Transforming into spheres to navigate his environment and extruding into cylinders to move between different levels, Morph’s shape-shifting abilities add a layer of creativity and whimsy to his adventures. He also possesses the remarkable talent of mimicking objects and creatures, adding a playful element to his interactions with the world around him.
Morph’s home is a wooden microscope box on an artist’s desk, providing a cozy and imaginative setting for his escapades. Alongside his mischievous companion Chas, Morph often finds himself in humorous situations, playing tricks on each other and sharing laughter at their own misfortunes. While Morph embodies innocence and curiosity, Chas is a more mischievous character prone to mischief and bad behaviour, creating a dynamic and entertaining friendship between the two.
Over the years, Morph and Chas have ventured beyond their original appearances on Tony Hart’s shows and made appearances on the Children’s BBC program SMart from 1994 to 2005. Their enduring popularity was evident when a flash mob of Morph characters was organized in London in 2009 to celebrate Morph’s 30th birthday, shortly after the passing of Tony Hart. The event showcased the impact and affection that Morph has garnered over the years, transcending generations and continuing to bring joy to audiences of all ages.
While the early plasticine models of Morph faced an unfortunate fate in a warehouse fire in 2005, Morph’s spirit and enduring legacy continue to thrive. Creator Peter Lord and comedian Phill Jupitus joined forces to celebrate Morph’s 30th birthday in 2007, emphasizing his enduring presence in the hearts of fans. Morph’s journey has exemplified the power of animation to captivate audiences, evoke nostalgia, and ignite the imagination.
One significant development in Morph’s recent journey is his presence on digital platforms. Embracing the digital age, Morph established a strong presence on YouTube, where fans can follow his latest escapades and enjoy his classic shorts. With his own dedicated channel, Morph has found a global audience, expanding beyond the boundaries of traditional television. The accessibility of online platforms has allowed Morph to reach fans of all ages, from nostalgic adults reliving their childhood memories to young viewers discovering his delightful clay world for the first time.
Furthermore, Morph’s resurgence in popularity led to the creation of “The Epic Adventures of Morph,” a longer format series that launched in 2020. This new series provided an opportunity for fans to dive deeper into Morph’s world, exploring extended storylines and enjoying more immersive adventures. The longer format allowed for a greater exploration of Morph’s mischievous nature, his relationship with Chas, and the imaginative possibilities of his shape-shifting abilities.
In addition to his presence on YouTube and the new series, Morph has also made appearances on the children’s television channel Sky Kids. This exposure on multiple platforms has helped him garner a growing fan base among children, ensuring that his legacy continues to transcend generations. Morph’s timeless appeal and ability to engage audiences of all ages is a testament to the enduring magic of his character and the timeless nature of stop-motion animation.
With his endearing personality, shape-shifting abilities, and timeless mischievousness, Morph remains an iconic figure in British television history. With the 2023 Summer Morph Epic Adventure Trail in London interest is likely to grow and hopefully a new audience will find him. As he continues to enchant new generations of viewers, this animated clay character’s legacy is cemented as a cherished and beloved part of the Aardman Animations family.
Related
Official Amazing Morph site
Morph’s Epic Art Adventure and Auction
