Canal landmark stars in Oscar-nominated Wallace and Gromit film

In the final few minutes of the film, the heroes are involved in a chase across an aqueduct which was directly inspired by our own Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal.

Aardman Animations art director, Matt Perry, told the BBC that there were ‘definite nods’ to this real-life Wonder of the Waterways in their design. In an article published in December 2024, he said, "There's a huge gripping ending that is on this aqueduct, bridging a huge gorge. When you look at it from the top - it is very similar to Pontcysyllte. That was the inspiration, for sure."

There are some points of difference. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct took ten years to design and build. It is 307 metres long and features 18 stone arches. In comparison, Aardman’s aqueduct was completed within three months. It is six metres long and features 12 arches.

Matt Perry also said, "We were after that Georgian/Victorian Age industrial period and it's a very beautiful bridge - I do love all the steel work. We did keep the metal work similar at the top."

Very beautiful bridge

Brainchild of canal building luminaries, Thomas Telford and William Jessop, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was once the tallest navigable aqueduct in the world. More than just a cherished monument, the ‘Ponty’ is a vital part of our network, carrying the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee in Wales and attracting thousands of visitors each year.

It has even been named as the most captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world.

Oscar nomination

As the charity caring for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, we’re thrilled to see our engineering marvel featured in such a marvellous film. We wish all the team the best of luck at the 2025 Academy Awards on 2 March.

Read the full article on the BBC website.