A life in plasticine as Nick Park reflects on animation success

Tuesday, 30 September 2025 09:25

By Nathan Hill

A special edition of The Parched Pea Podcast sees the Oscar winning creator of Wallace and Gromit share his journey from attic to the big screen

Preston's homegrown Academy Award winner was back in the city to cut the ribbon on the Harris Museum's spectacular restoration project being completed.

Nick Park made space on the sofa for John 'Gilly' Gillmore for a chat on a special edition of The Parched Pea Podcast.

The bonus podcast was recorded live in the Wallace and Gromit exhibition as Park reflected on his childhood memories of the museum, pinching himself at seeing his creations immortalised in the very spaces he had sought inspiration while an art student.

As well as Park giving his thoughts, and tips on enjoying the animated exhibition, he also talks on his journey from making films in his parents attic to now global stardom and fame with an Oscar under his belt.

The Wallace and Gromit exhibition features sketches, models and insights into how the plasticine duo have come to life during the last 40 decades.

Relax with a brew and enjoy this very special edition of the podcast with one of Preston's most famous sons.

The Parched Pea Podcast is an award-nominated collaborative podcast between Blog Preston, Lancashire Post and Central Radio with Gilly exploring the people and places which make the city tick and will be available on Spotify, Apple and all other major podcast apps via Podfollow. You can listen back to all the episodes from series two, meeting proud Prestonians across the city. We're starting work on a third series soon, so if you'd like to support us with this please drop ed@blogpreston.co.uk, nicola.adam@nationalworld.com or nathan@central.radio a line.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, news@central.radio

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