Charity Auction Sculpture Finds Permanent Home as Bristol Airport Expands Passenger Experience
(IN SHORT) Bristol Airport has unveiled a permanent Gromit sculpture named Edelweiss inside its Public Transport Interchange, following its purchase at a charity auction that raised funds for The Grand Appeal. A large steel “Bristol” sign has also been installed to create a strong sense of place for arriving travellers. The new features form part of the airport’s wider investment programme to improve facilities while showcasing regional culture and supporting local causes.
(PRESS RELEASE) BRISTOL, UK, 2026-Feb-23 — /Travel PR News/ — Bristol Airport has installed a new Gromit sculpture inside its Public Transport Interchange (PTI), creating a distinctive visual feature designed to welcome travellers and celebrate the region’s cultural identity. Positioned in a prominent indoor location, the sculpture is expected to be seen by millions of passengers moving through the airport each year.
The artwork, named Edelweiss, was acquired by the airport at a charity auction following the popular Gromit Unleashed 3 trail. The auction raised £2 million for The Grand Appeal, supporting Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital. By securing the sculpture, the airport has contributed to these fundraising efforts while giving the artwork a permanent public home.
Created by local artist Jenny Urquhart, the design draws inspiration from alpine landscapes and musical themes, reflected in detailed floral motifs including daisies, buttercups, forget-me-nots, alpine pinks and edelweiss flowers. The piece required 34 hours of hand-painting and incorporates additional decorative touches such as a flower on Gromit’s nose and a collar styled in the colours of the Austrian flag.
Alongside the sculpture, the airport has introduced a large “Bristol” welcome sign situated between the terminal building and the bridge link to the transport hub. Manufactured from Corten steel by Pro Steel in South Wales, the installation measures 10 metres in length, stands 3 metres high, and weighs approximately 10 tonnes. Designed to develop a natural weathered finish over time, the sign will eventually be illuminated at night and includes a walk-through feature for visitors to take photographs.
Both installations are intended to strengthen the sense of arrival for visitors while offering recognisable landmarks that reflect the creativity of the South West. The additions complement the recently opened £60 million Public Transport Interchange, part of Bristol Airport’s broader £400 million transformation programme aimed at enhancing infrastructure and passenger experience.
Media contact:
pressoffice@bristolairport.com
SOURCE: Bristol Airport
