Tom Daley has helped unveil a 22-foot-long tapestry inspired by Shaun the Sheep ahead of the woolly character’s latest big-screen adventure.
The Olympic gold medallist revealed the specially commissioned ‘Baa-Ewe Tapestry’ at London’s Natural History Museum, where it will go on public display ahead of the release of Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.
Inspired by the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry, the handcrafted artwork stretches seven metres in length and retells the story of Shaun’s latest movie, which is in cinemas on September 18th, through embroidery.
Featuring Shaun, Bitzer and the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm, the piece transforms scenes from the upcoming film into a sprawling stitched artwork.
While the original 70-metre Bayeux Tapestry chronicles the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of 1066, this sheep-themed version charts the comedy, chaos and Halloween adventures awaiting fans in Shaun’s newest cinematic outing.
Its unveiling comes just a day before the original Bayeux Tapestry is due to open to the public at the British Museum as part of a landmark loan from France.
Daley, founder of knitting and crochet lifestyle brand Made With Love, even added his own finishing touch to the artwork.
The former diver knitted a miniature sweater vest for Shaun, which appears in the tapestry’s final section.
Speaking after adding the last stitch, Daley said: “I’m so thrilled to be involved in this amazing celebration of creativity, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the beautiful tapestry the team has put together.
“I’ve waited years for the opportunity to collaborate with Shaun the Sheep, so when he asked me to design him a bespoke piece of knitwear, I simply had to say yes!”
The enormous textile creation may be only a tenth of the size of its medieval inspiration, but it still required more than 5km of yarn and over 180 hours of work.
A team of 15 designers and textile specialists collaborated to create the intricate artwork, which uses 10 colours inspired by the original Bayeux Tapestry.
Visitors to the Natural History Museum can see the tapestry up close from September 9th until November 1st, following Shaun’s latest adventure panel by panel before the film arrives in cinemas later this month.
The unveiling marks the latest celebration ahead of the release of Sky Original Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, the third feature-length film from Aardman’s globally popular franchise.
Produced by Aardman in partnership with Sky and STUDIOCANAL, the film sees the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm preparing for Halloween before a series of increasingly chaotic events unleashes a mysterious beast on the village.
Dan Phelan, from the Natural History Museum, said: “Inspired by our friends at the British Museum opening their Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, we’re delighted to welcome the Baa-Ewe Tapestry to the Natural History Museum.
“Shaun the Sheep has entertained generations of families, and from today fans can enjoy a unique piece of textile art inspired by one of Britain’s best-loved animations.
“We can’t wait to welcome visitors to see the tapestry up close and follow Shaun’s latest adventure ahead of the film’s release.”
