{"id":904668,"date":"2026-04-19T11:24:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T11:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/904668\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T11:24:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T11:24:29","slug":"wallace-gromit-superfan-has-5k-of-merch-and-four-tattoos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/904668\/","title":{"rendered":"Wallace &#038; Gromit superfan has \u00a35k of merch and four tattoos"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Luke&#8217;s ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman&#8217;s headquarters in Bristol<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35 __className_7646a0\">Katie Timms<\/strong> Regional Head of Content and <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35 __className_7646a0\">SWNSSamMcevans (Sam McEvans)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>07:23, 19 Apr 2026Updated 07:33, 19 Apr 2026<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"An individual, wearing glasses and a blue long-sleeve shirt, stands in a room adorned with shelves displaying an assortment of figurines and decorative items.\" loading=\"eager\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_SWNS_WALLACE_AND_GROMIT-9.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">(Image: SWNS)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A devoted Wallace &amp; Gromit enthusiast possessing \u00a35,000 worth of merchandise and four character tattoos dedicates 35 hours monthly to rewatching the beloved animations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Luke Poulton, 34, has set aside an entire room in his home for his extensive and eclectic collection, featuring toys, posters, and clothing related to <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bristolpost.co.uk\/news\/bristol-news\/cracking-ofsted-report-gromit-aardman-10839452\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Aardman Animation&#8217;s <\/a>television and film franchises.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Luke has made it his personal quest to build an archive of memorabilia &#8211; ranging from a Polly Pocket designed to resemble Wallace&#8217;s face to a pair of furry Gromit slippers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The enthusiast even enjoys using a novelty radio alarm clock that he first spotted in the Argos catalogue during his childhood.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He said: &#8220;It&#8217;s always exciting finding new pieces and it brings me that bit of joy being able to look at them when I have put them in the room with my collection.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Luke estimates his 500 collectables are worth well above \u00a35,000, though a significant portion has been accumulated through hunting for treasures at charity shops, car boot sales, and on Vinted.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">However, Luke&#8217;s most treasured item is a rare VHS cassette tape of The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, which is presently listed on eBay at over \u00a32,500.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"An individual is seated on the floor in a room adorned with various decorative items, including a collection of figurines and toys prominently displayed on a shelf. The ambiance of the room is complemented by the presence of posters on the wall.\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1_SWNS_WALLACE_AND_GROMIT-2.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Luke Poulton's ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman's headquarters in Bristol\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Luke Poulton&#8217;s ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman&#8217;s headquarters in Bristol(Image: SWNS)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Additional collectables currently available on eBay include a &#8220;very rare&#8221; Wallace &amp; Gromit chessboard priced at \u00a32,300 and a garden lamp listed at \u00a3620.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The audiovisual technician from Hackney, London, dedicates the equivalent of a typical working week, 35 hours, to rewatching the animations every month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Luke&#8217;s passion began when his father introduced him to A Grand Day Out, the debut Wallace &amp; Gromit short film, during the early 1990s. He said: &#8220;I think people see Wallace and Gromit as icons of UK animation. While Wallace is quite a wacky character, he&#8217;s still very down to earth. That&#8217;s why people just connect with him so well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bristolpost.co.uk\/whats-on\/whats-on-news\/year-wallace-gromit-how-2025-10665366\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Aardman Animation, the studio responsible for Wallace &amp; Gromit, <\/a>Chicken Run, and Shaun the Sheep, is marking its 50th anniversary in 2026.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A person's lower leg with a detailed tattoo of a rabbit character is partially covered by a black sock. The tattoo features vibrant colors and intricate designs. The individual is wearing a sneaker with a green accent and the word &quot;HOKA&quot; on the side.\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_SWNS_POULTON_TATTOOS_004.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Luke Poulton's ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman's headquarters in Bristol\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Luke Poulton&#8217;s ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman&#8217;s headquarters in Bristol(Image: SWNS)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Luke reckons the studio has remained successful partly due to its cross-generational appeal: &#8220;With all the TV shows and movies, there&#8217;s something that everyone can get on board with.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;There&#8217;s always the jokes for kids, but there&#8217;s also the jokes for adults.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"An individual stands in an interior space adorned with an array of framed images on the wall. The person holds two plush toys in their hands, dressed in a long-sleeved sweater.\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1_SWNS_WALLACE_AND_GROMIT-3.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Luke Poulton's ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman's headquarters in Bristol\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Luke Poulton&#8217;s ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman&#8217;s headquarters in Bristol(Image: SWNS)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He&#8217;s planning to attend all the events and exhibitions scheduled for the anniversary celebrations, including visiting Bristol&#8217;s M Shed Museum and a new immersive 360-degree experience launching at London King&#8217;s Cross.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The devoted fan fantasises about creating an attraction that would recreate the interior of Wallace and Gromit&#8217;s home, where enthusiasts could step inside and venture down into the basement to view their famous orange space rocket.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Want to see more of the stories you love from BristolLive? Making us your preferred source on Google means you\u2019ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add BristolLive as a preferred source, simply <a aria-label=\"click hereLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=bristolpost.co.uk\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a>. Or <a aria-label=\"read moreLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bristolpost.co.uk\/news\/bristol-news\/more-bristollive-exclusives--sign-10712182\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">read more<\/a> about selecting your preferred sources.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">However, Luke&#8217;s ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman&#8217;s headquarters in Bristol.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He said &#8220;I would love to work there one day. Writing or directing would be incredible. It just seems like a great place to work from everything I saw there when I visited.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"An individual wearing glasses and a blue long-sleeved shirt is reaching for a figurine on a shelf adorned with various books and decorative items.\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_SWNS_WALLACE_AND_GROMIT-14.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Luke Poulton's ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman's headquarters in Bristol\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Luke Poulton&#8217;s ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman&#8217;s headquarters in Bristol(Image: SWNS)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">In 2024, Luke received an invitation to meet Wallace &amp; Gromit&#8217;s creator, Nick Park, on the studio&#8217;s set of the Vengeance Most Fowl film. Luke said he jumped at the chance to quiz him about &#8220;Easter Eggs&#8221; where the animators have concealed the villain Feathers McGraw in scenes throughout other television programmes and films.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Luke&#8217;s tattoo of Feathers will shortly be joined by a more obscure character, Fluffles the dog, which will mark his fifth Aardman-themed piece of body art.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He&#8217;s also enthusiastic about what Aardman will deliver with a more friendly penguin, Pingu, in an upcoming remake.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"An individual dressed in a blue long-sleeve shirt is seated on the wooden floor, surrounded by a variety of stuffed animals and toys. A bookshelf filled with books and other items is visible in the background.\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_SWNS_WALLACE_AND_GROMIT-1.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Luke Poulton's ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman's headquarters in Bristol\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Luke Poulton&#8217;s ultimate ambition is to secure employment at Aardman&#8217;s headquarters in Bristol(Image: SWNS)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Most importantly, Luke says his devotion stems entirely from the &#8220;heart&#8221; that the animators invest into the craft.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;You&#8217;ve got to have a lot of skill to do stop motion animation and make it as perfect as it is. I don&#8217;t think that will ever go away because people still love it so much.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I think they&#8217;re just going get better and better and we&#8217;re going be getting as much brilliant stuff in the next fifty years.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768348637_952_0_WhatsApp-Phone.jpg\" \/>Bristol Live WhatsApp Breaking News and Top Stories<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Join Bristol Live\u2019s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bristolpost.co.uk\/\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Bristol Live<\/a> is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Through the app, we\u2019ll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/GqGGeISirkDJ3vZDASCXe1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">click this link and select \u2018Join Community\u2019.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bristolpost.co.uk\/\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Bristol Live<\/a> team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. 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