Home of Wallace and Gromit destroyed

IPSWICH film-goers will be saddened by news that a fire has destroyed the entire history of the company behind the Wallace and Gromit films, a cinema boss said today.

Andy Reed, film manager at Cineworld in Cardinal Park, Ipswich, said news of a fire at the home of Aardman Animations was a “disaster”.

The roof of the building in Silverthorne Lane, near Temple Meads station in Bristol, collapsed after the blaze tore through the Victorian building early today.

The company has said the whole building was destroyed in the blaze at a warehouse that houses all of it's props and sets from every production, ranging from Morph to Creature Comforts as well as Wallace and Gromit.

The fire happened on the same day the company should have been celebrating news the new Wallace and Gromit film - The Curse of the Were-Rabbit had gone to number one at the US box office.

Crews from across the region were called in to tackle the blaze, which broke out at 5.30am and at it's height saw flames reaching 100ft.

Ten fire crews battled to bring the fire under control but the roof collapsed along with three interior walls, the area has now been sealed off and crews are expected to remain at the scene for the rest of the day.

Mr Reed - who said he was a huge fan of the Creature Comforts series - said the fire was a terrible thing to happen to a company that is so well thought of.

“It is such a disaster,” he said.

“I know people will be upset but in a way it might make people more determined to come and see the film in support of the company.

“It is so special to people because it is British, the fire is such a shame. There is going to be a lot of disappointment because everything they do is so popular.

“As long as it doesn't hamper them making further things then hopefully they can come back from this, I think the memory will live on even if the actual props don't.”

A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue service said the cause of the fire is under investigation.