Alistair Hardaker
Image: David Sproxton CBE
David Sproxton CBE takes role as patron at Bristol science centre as it marks 25th anniversary.
We The Curious has appointed David Sproxton CBE, co-founder of Aardman Animations, as its first patron.
Sproxton will serve as a public ambassador for the Bristol-based educational charity and science centre, and may provide guidance to the Board of Trustees.
The role involves acting as an advocate to inspire engagement, volunteering and donations in support of the organisation, it said.
The appointment builds on Sproxton’s previous involvement with We The Curious, where he served as a trustee and chaired the Purpose Committee.
Sproxton established Aardman Animations in Bristol with Peter Lord in 1976 and led the company’s transition to employee ownership in 2018. He was appointed CBE in 2006.
““I’m delighted to be asked to be a Patron for We The Curious as I am passionate about giving young people experiences that may spark life-long interest. I, myself, was particularly fascinated and influenced by a theatre-lightning exhibit in the London Science Museum when I was a child – those experiences can be so influential for young people. I’ve also always been interested in how things work and how science and imagination can brought together to make the most amazing things, so I’m pleased to be able to play a part in encouraging these experiences to happen”, Sproxton said.
Donna Speed, CEO of We The Curious, said the new patron “has been part of our story for 20 years, from inspiring collaborations like Animate It! to his thoughtful leadership as Chair of our Purpose Committee during his time as a trustee”.
“He brings such creativity, curiosity, and kindness, and it feels really meaningful to have someone who knows us so well and champions our work helping shape our future.”
The appointment coincides with We The Curious marking its 25th anniversary in 2025.
