Animation model of Morph.

Morph is a clay character produced by Aardman for the BBC, first appearing in Take Hart: an art show for children presented by Tony Hart and first aired in 1977. Later, Morph appeared in SMart – a similar TV show presented without Tony Hart – and his own show, Morph, on Sky.

Before Aardman was formed, Peter Lord and David Sproxton made animated segments for Vision On, a BBC show aimed at integrating deaf children into the wider community. An early form of Morph appeared on this show, in some of the regular Aardman Animation slots. These segments would feature the classic clay models talking in gibberish or acting in silence to a punchy score. The lack of dialogue was perfect for a show aimed at deaf children, and would continue long after Vision On ended and Aardman Animation set up their own company.

The animation version of Morph is made entirely out of plasticine, so he is very malleable and easy to ‘morph’ into new shapes. This version, made for display, was created using resin that sets hard to keep Morph looking alert for years to come.