Morph (TV series)

Morph is a British series of clay animation shorts, produced by Aardman Animations. It was originally part of the BBC children's art programme Take Hart, which was hosted by Tony Hart. Morph is a small, mischievous clay character who could transform into various shapes.

History and Production:

Morph first appeared on British television screens in 1977. He was created by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who later went on to co-found Aardman Animations. The animation was stop-motion, requiring meticulous movement and photographing of the clay figures. Tony Hart would often interact with Morph, creating a comedic dynamic between the live-action presenter and the animated character.

Characters:

• Morph: The titular character, a small, shapeshifting clay figure. He is orange in colour and known for his energetic and playful personality.

• Chas: A brown, mischievous companion to Morph. He is often portrayed as being more troublesome than Morph.

• Tony Hart: The presenter of Take Hart, who acted as a live-action foil to Morph's animated antics.

Format and Content:

Each episode of Morph was very short, typically lasting only a few minutes. The episodes were primarily visual, with minimal dialogue. The humor was derived from Morph's ability to change shape and his interactions with his environment, particularly Tony Hart's desk.

Later Appearances:

Following Take Hart, Morph appeared in other programmes, including his own series, The Amazing Adventures of Morph, which premiered in 1980. In later years, Aardman Animations revived Morph for new shorts and appearances, using modern animation techniques while retaining the original stop-motion aesthetic.

Legacy:

Morph is considered a classic of British children's television. Its simple animation and humorous stories have endeared it to generations of viewers. It also contributed significantly to the popularity and success of Aardman Animations.