We The Curious appoints Aardman Animations co-founder David Sproxton CBE as patron

Announced in celebration of Trustees' Week 3-7 Nov, David will serve as a public ambassador for the charity, helping to raise awareness of its vision where ‘everyone is included, curious and inspired by science to build a better world together’.  

With his many years as a trustee, David may also provide guidance to the Board of Trustees, and act as an advocate for We The Curious, to inspire others to engage, volunteer or donate in support of the charity. 

Over the last 50 years David has been involved in several Bristol-based organisations, including being a founder member of CYCLEBAG in 1977, which eventually evolved into Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly called Sustrans). David was twice on the board of Bristol Old Vic Theatre and was also a founder board-member of Encounters Film Festival, Bristol’s celebration of animation and short-films.  David also spent over a decade on the board of the National Film and Television School. 

David began making animated films with Peter Lord whilst at school together, settling in Bristol to establish Aardman Animations in 1976. David led Aardman through the transition to becoming an employee-owned company in 2018. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2006.

On his patronage, David Sproxton said: 
“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.”  


Donna Speed, CEO for We The Curious added:  
“I’m thrilled to welcome David as our very first Patron, especially as we celebrate our 25th birthday. David 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”. 

2025 marks a significant year for We The Curious as it celebrates its 25th birthday, along with a network of science and discovery centre across the UK that were funded as part of the National Lottery Millennium Commission.

As part of the 25th celebrations, We The Curious has recently unveiled the Curious Timeline in the foyer, an interactive timeline celebrating the city’s memories of science, curiosity and creativity.  

For more information, images, interviews or to arrange a press trip, please contact the Jen Forster, Communications Lead - jen.forster@wethecurious.org or 07967 334152. 

You can also follow We The Curious on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok. 

Editor’s Notes:

About We The Curious: 
We The Curious is an educational charity and a leading science centre based in the South West of England. We produce experiences that bring people together to play, get creative with science and explore different ideas. We work with partners locally and nationally, supporting people to be inquisitive, develop new skills and improve their wellbeing. 

Our vision asks ‘what if everyone is included, curious and inspired by science to build a better world together?’