Great Western Railway unveils 6ft statue of Morph in Paddington ahead of his Epic Art Adventure in London

Great Western Railway (GWR) is welcoming a six-foot-tall statue of beloved TV-animated character Morph to Paddington station as part of the UK’s first step-free art trail, ‘Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London’.

From Monday 19 June, the art trail created by Whizz-Kidz, the UK charity working with and supporting young wheelchair users, will see 56 uniquely-designed statues of Morph placed around London alongside some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.

The free event’s sculptures have been inspired by the animated clay character Morph, who has been making mischief and encouraging generations of kids – and adults – to get creative since the 1970s.

In his original guise, Morph – created by Bristol-based animation company Aardman – lived on a desk, within the confines of an artist’s studio, but now he’s breaking free as he appears across London sporting various different looks.

Each of the six-foot statues has been designed by a different artist and will be placed alongside various landmarks throughout London for people of all ages to enjoy.

Along with The Paddington Partnership, a voluntary grouping of the main companies in Paddington which promotes activity and regeneration in the area, GWR will be bringing ‘Fish Ahoy!’ to the Eastbourne Terrace entrance to Paddington station.

Designed by Northumberland artist, Ali Elly, ‘Fish Ahoy!’ introduces Morph dressed as a bearded fisherman, in full yellow oilskins and a striped top which evokes the charm of seaside destinations connected on the Great Western network and the canalside at Paddington. He completes his look with nautical-themed tattoos and his plentiful catch of the day stowed in his pockets.

As part of Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London, Whizz-Kidz will use the art trail to encourage the public, business community and young people to envision what a more inclusive world might look like for young wheelchair users, and what role they might wish to play in making this a reality.

At the end of the trail, the Morphs will be auctioned off to raise vital funds for Whizz-Kidz to help young people by providing wheelchairs; equipment; support; confidence-building experiences they need, and campaigning for a more inclusive society.

GWR Sales and Marketing Director, Amanda Burns, said:

“I’m thrilled that together with The Paddington Partnership we can bring Morph’s Epic Adventure in London to all who travel with Great Western Railway to Paddington this summer.

“Having ‘Fish Ahoy!’ welcome visitors from across the South West is the perfect gateway for kids and adults alike to begin to explore all that Paddington and London has to offer.

“The fact that this is the UK’s first fully-accessible art trail is hugely important to us, as we are committed to making train travel as accessible as possible for everyone, from train to trail. We cannot wait to support Whizz-Kidz in making Morph’s adventure part of our customers’ Great Western Adventures.”

Whizz-Kidz Corporate Partnerships Officer, Toby Briggs, said:

“Whizz-Kidz is delighted to be partnering with GWR and The Paddington Partnership for Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London, London’s first step-free art trail. Together, we will be bringing ‘Fish Ahoy!’ to one of London’s most iconic locations, Paddington Station.

“We are so excited to know that tens of thousands of rail travellers will pass by ‘Fish Ahoy!’ every day, which we believe will prompt conversations about diversity and inclusion for wheelchair users.

“As part of Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London, Whizz-Kidz, GWR and the Paddington Partnership will use the art trail to encourage the public, business community, and young people to envision what a more inclusive world might look like for young wheelchair users, and what role they might wish to play in making this a reality.”

Chief Executive of The Paddington Partnership, Kay Buxton, said:

“What better way to celebrate the summer than teaming up with Great Western Railway to welcome Morph’s Adventures to Paddington. We’re delighted to be part of this wonderful step-free trail, raising vital funds for Whizz-Kidz, and hope that everyone will enjoy exploring Paddington and London as they track down the super collection of colourful sculptures.”

‘Fish Ahoy!’ artist Ali Elly said:

“I designed ‘Fish Ahoy!’ to be a bright and cheerful, traditional seafaring character, evoking happy memories of trips to the seaside.

“Morph has always been all about encouraging creativity and this project has been a perfect example of that. From the initial design concept to all the meticulous hand-painting, every aspect in bringing him to life, as an artist, has been so much fun.

“‘Fish Ahoy!’ really is an original and creative way to bring the sea to the city, with the help of the fantastic Whizz-Kidz, Great Western Railway, and The Paddington Partnership.

“As an inclusive activity I really hope everyone will enjoy getting out and about to find all the brilliant 56 sculptures.”

Morph’s Epic Adventure in London runs from Monday 19 June until Sunday August 20, with ‘Fish Ahoy!’ located at the Eastbourne Terrace entrance to the station.