Edelweiss the Gromit Finds Forever Home at Bristol Airport as Iconic ‘Bristol’ Sign Unveiled
By Charities Correspondent
An eye-catching Gromit sculpture has made its new home at Bristol Airport taking pride of place inside the Public Transport Interchange (PTI) - with millions of people being able to enjoy seeing him as they pass through.
The sculpture will not only be a hit with locals – particularly those that enjoyed the summer Gromit Unleashed 3 trail – but also provide a west country welcome to visitors to the region.
As well as the Gromit, a huge ‘Bristol’ sign also now greets customers to the Airport – adding place identity and a focal point for pictures taken by tourists arriving for the first time.
Bristol Airport successfully bid for the Gromit, named Edelweiss, at an auction last year where £2 million was raised for The Grand Appeal.
The funds will support the Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.
Dave Lees, Chief Executive at Bristol Airport said:
“We were pleased to contribute towards such an important and deserving charity. We are absolutely over the moon with Edelweiss taking centre spot inside our Public Transport Interchange where he’ll be seen by millions of passengers using their local airport.”
Edelweiss was designed by local artist, Jenny Urquhart, who took her inspiration from the sound of music, which is why he is adorned with beautiful alpine vistas and pretty blooms.
It took artist Jenny 34 hours to paint him, and he features forget-me-nots, daisies, buttercups, alpine pinks and, of course, edelweiss flowers. He also has a flower on his nose, and his collar is painted in the colours of the Austrian flag.
Jenny Urquhart said:
“I was so thrilled when I found out where his forever home is going to be. Hopefully he will bring a smile to the millions of visitors faces and I can't wait to see him again when I am next on my travels.”
Helen Haskell, Head of Fundraising, The Grand Appeal added:
“We’re incredibly proud to see Edelweiss return to public display, welcoming visitors and local residents alike as they arrive in Bristol. We’re so grateful to Bristol Airport for their ongoing support for our work. Knowing that millions of people will enjoy Edelweiss while helping shine a light on our charity and Bristol Children’s Hospital means the world to us.”
The Airport’s new iconic ‘Bristol’ sign welcoming people to the region was produced by Pro Steel in South Wales and is made from Corten steel.
Located between the terminal building and the new bridge link to the transport hub, it provides a sense of place when visitors are arriving. It measures 10 metres long by 3 meters tall and weighs 10 tonnes.
The O in Bristol also allows for a walkthrough photo opportunity for customers and once fully weathered, the sign will be illuminated at night.
The feature will complement the pedestrianised area, which will have a canopy between the terminal and bridge link installed later this summer.
Kathryn Davis, Chief Executive at Visit West said:
"Bristol Airport provides an important gateway to the south west with both domestic and international visitors arriving through the Airport to explore our region. Both the 'Bristol' welcome sign and Gromit sculpture provide a
warm and creative welcome and will no doubt feature in tourists' photographs and social media posts that will further help to promote our amazing region."
Last year the Airport opened the £60 million PTI, which forms part of its £400 million pound transformation project.
