September marks the last month you can see the brilliant ‘Aardman presents The Pirates!’ exhibition at Hartlepool Art Gallery.

Hartlepool are having a brilliant year – what with the Tall Ships and all – and the town has also played host to some super exhibitions, one of which is ‘Aardman presents The Pirates!’ The show is manna from heaven for those of us who regard ‘The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!’ as one of THE best animated films of recent times. The exhibition showcases puppets, sets, props and concept art from the Aardman/Sony Pictures Animation co-production, and offers a fascinating and fun insight into film-making for people of all ages. To get the chance to get up close and personal with these salty-seadogs has been one of the highlights of my year. DP

Aardman presents The Pirates! until 30 September, Hartlepool Art Gallery, culturehartlepool.com