This summer, John Mason International has teamed up with British television’s plasticine icon, Morph, to help raise vital funds to transform the lives of young wheelchair users.

The company is sponsoring Morph’s Epic Art Adventure – the UK’s first step-free art trail. The adventure started in June and runs through to 20 August, 2023.  During that time, John Mason says it will be helping to transform central London when it hosts over 60 super-sized sculptures of much-loved children’s TV character, Morph. Located alongside some of London’s most iconic landmarks, each Morph sculpture will be uniquely designed by epic, well-known and emerging artists, providing a fun family-friendly art trail for locals and visitors to follow.

The event’s 3D sculptures have been inspired by the animated clay character Morph, who has been making mischief and encouraging generations of kids – and adults – to get creative since the 70s. John Mason International has its own version of Morph, which is displayed in a prominent position right by Tower Bridge. “We’ve chosen to call him The Pearly King Morph, and he has been transformed to look the part by renowned artist Sandra Russell,” said Simon Hood, Director.

“Pearly King Morph has been inspired by the original Pearly King, Henry Croft. Born in London in the 19th century, he was an orphan street sweeper who became famous for his striking outfits, covered in mother-of-pearl buttons. He used these to collect a vast amount of money for charity – so we think he is the perfect choice for this worthy cause.  Whilst exciting and inspiring people of all ages to celebrate London through creativity, the trail will also increase public awareness about the need for young wheelchair users to be mobile, enabled and included in society.”

Morph lives on a desk, within the confines of an artist’s studio. His freedom is limited by his environment, and many of his adventures are born out of a frustration with these limitations and the challenges of being a little guy in a big world. This echoes the daily experience of many young wheelchair users, who find their freedom and independence limited by the world around them. They are restricted by inaccessible environments, people’s attitudes, behaviour and perceptions of what young wheelchair users aspire to, and can achieve.  Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London is the UK’s first step-free art trail of its kind, hosted by Whizz-Kidz, the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users.

“We are pleased to be supporting the Morph Adventure Trail as it aligns with our values of adventure and exploration, as well as our commitment to supporting local communities,” said Simon. “As an international moving company, we are used to helping people move all around the world, so are delighted to be supporting Whizz-Kids in the bid to help young people with mobility struggles get moving and help improve their everyday lives. This as an epic step-free Arts Trail with diversity and inclusion at its heart and will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about how together, we can remove barriers and create a more inclusive society.”

Following the public trail, the Morph’s will be auctioned off to raise vital funds and awareness for Whizz-Kidz to help transform the lives of young wheelchair users across the UK.

Photo:  The John Mason Morph in front of Tower Bridge in London.