In our incredibly fraught current climate, there is something wonderfully reassuring about knowing that in a little corner of London, for a brief moment you can step into a world where the moon is made of cheese, sheep are capable of considerably more independent thought than their human counterparts, and a man and his dog stands firm among Britain’s most well-known cultural icons. At London’s Lightroom, Aardman’s new exhibition Larger Than Life is a joyous celebration of animation, imagination and, of course, the world famous studio itself.

For anyone who has grown up with Wallace and Gromit, Morph or Shaun the Sheep, the experience will no doubt delight. But it is not a fifty minute highlight reel of movie moments we’re already familiar with. Instead, the piece offers a glimpse into the sheer amount of work, patience and skill required to bring these familiar characters to life over the decades.

The use of Lightroom’s cavernous space is well-done. Rather than simply projecting familiar scenes onto enormous walls, the exhibition makes full use of its immersive surroundings to transport audiences through the worlds Aardman has created. One moment we’re exploring the urban habitats of its animal inhabitants, the next we’re travelling through space, before inevitably finding ourselves on a moon composed, naturally, of cheese.

It’s an experience that feels accessible and makes the most of the casual, inviting space; particularly for younger visitors, who can still wander, explore and marvel at the enormous characters surrounding them. The open-plan setting lends itself well to an exhibition that encourages curiosity just as much as it might do gentle contemplation.

Memorable sequences include when enormous storyboard cards (from a classic Wallace and Gromit caper) begin to fall away, gradually revealing the transition from initial sketches to their fully realised on-screen counterparts. It’s a simple piece of visual storytelling that takes you from one side of the hall to the other, highlighting the jump between sketch to screen better than words can say.

Narration from Aardman’s own creatives, including its founders, provides further insight into the studio’s history and filmmaking process. These are accompanied by snippets from familiar voice actors and their animated counterparts, taking us behind the scenes of an industry where every single attention to detail is rewarded.

Of course, there are also plenty of laughs. Aardman’s particular brand of distinctly British humour remains as engaging as ever, with its expressive characters reminded us that a raised eyebrow or perfectly timed glance can often communicate considerably more than reams of dialogue.

What makes the exhibition particularly affecting is its earnest celebration of the perseverance and passion behind every project. At a time when conversations surrounding technology and the future of creative industries increasingly dominate the cultural landscape, there’s something very heartening about being reminded of the love, labour and dedication that goes into making these stories.

Ultimately, Larger Than Life is a rewarding visit for animation enthusiasts of all ages, but its appeal extends beyond those already familiar with Aardman’s work. It’s a funny, thoughtful and engaging reminder of why we love to tell stories in the first place, and the importance of valuing art made by human hands.

Larger Than Life is running at Lightroom, London from the 14th of October to the 4th of January. You can find tickets here.