A circus Ringmaster Gromit has been created by Illustration alum Tozer, complete with top hat and tails. Sign painter Tozer was commissioned to create the Gromit inspired by The Greatest Showman story.
Ringmaster Gromit will be at Bristol Children’s Hospital main entrance from Monday 30 June as part of Gromit Unleashed 3, a sculpture-spotting trail happening this summer to raise funds for sick children.
Tozer is based in Bristol, but her art of beautiful hand-crafted signs has taken her across the world over the last 10 years. Find out about her creative beginnings, the challenge of this commission and why she loves her job.
How did you feel when you were asked to design a Gromit for Gromit Unleashed 3?
It sounds cliché, but I was just incredibly excited! The design was a collaborative effort – the general brief and visual idea were curated by the Grand Appeal team and I drew him up in my own style.
“I loved the circus aesthetic – that world is deeply entwined with traditional lettering and signwriting skills and it was a pleasure to bring that combination to life.”
Were there any challenges to overcome in making the Gromit?
Definitely – the main one was the physical challenge of painting it, I had to book in a massage once I was finished! There were so many little areas that were tricky to get to, and mine had a few extra tough spots with him having a top hat as an accessory.
“I lost count of how many times I stood up and knocked my head on his ears or chin!”
Watch Tozer’s film of the process of painting this heroic hound.
When did you first start drawing?
I can’t remember exactly, but I know it was from a very young age.
“I have fond memories of asking my dad to go up into the loft and bring down these huge sheets of coloured paper for me to scribble on in the middle of the living room floor.”
I get my creative flair from him – he’s done a few murals in his time and still regularly doodles.
What stands out in your memories of UWE Bristol?
I remember being one of the students that would very regularly stay late. Before I found signwriting, I experimented a huge amount with different materials and techniques.
“I tried to make as much use as possible of all of the tools and special equipment UWE had on offer.”
I was a regular at the screen printing area for a while, then the print rooms, the woodworking area, even the laser cutting room for a time.
What do you love about your job?
I love the variety the most.
“One day I can be in somebody’s home gilding their fanlight, then at a restaurant in the countryside painting an A-Board, the next I may be painting a mural in Bath.”
Then there are weeks where I get to work from my lovely studio, listen to podcasts and eat spicy noodles.
Finally, what would be your dream commission?
“I’d love to sink my teeth into a really extensive full tattoo shop job with the full works – design work, shop sign, window gilds, A-Boards, interior signage, fanlight, swing sign.”
If somebody has £10,000 to spare and wants the snazziest tattoo shop in Bristol or beyond, get in touch!
About Gromit Unleashed 3
Gromit Unleashed 3 is organised by the Grand Appeal team, who partner with Aardman Animation to raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital and St Michael’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Ringmaster Gromit is located outside Bristol Children’s Hospital in Bristol from 30 June until 31 August 2025.
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