THE Museum in the Park will be creating a new public programme around the history of animation in the Stroud District.

Stroud's history as the home of a famous animation studio is a story that was left untold, until now.

The museum now hosts a new display telling the story of two influential animation companies, Anson Dyer and Halas and Batchelor.

Their display is centred around the Acmiola machine that was used at the Halas and Batchelor studio in Stroud.

Fern Ryan, collections assistant said: "With the Stroud District now being promoted as a great filming location, the new display shows that it was also the location of some pre-eminent film makers."

The project has been made possible by a grant from Arts Council England through their Grant for the Arts programme which is funded by the National Lottery.

Their project will culminate with an exhibition of cels and drawings created by Halas and Batchelor.

‘Moving Art: Animation in Stroud’ will run in gallery two, from March 7 till April 2 - visitors are advised to check before travelling to ensure the exhibition is available.

School sessions are being developed based around a new character, ‘The Animator’.

A series of workshops run by local artist Tracy Spiers and Aardman Animation will allow three different age groups to create works inspired by animation.

"I have made contact with a lot of people who used to work at the studios and been fascinated to hear their stories and see their photographs, said Fern.

"I hope more people will come forward as result of this project and enjoy uncovering this ‘lost’ story."

For more information on the project, visit www.museuminthepark.org.uk