Just over a month after the return of Feathers McGraw, Wallace and Gromit’s infamous silent nemesis, fans across the UK are celebrating the character with tattoos. A memorable fixture of British animation, the villainous penguin is now making headlines for inspiring inked tributes, including one from Joe, whose tattoo features McGraw dressed as chicken, gun and all, prominently displayed on his bicep.
The artist behind Joe's unique tattoo is Matt Weaver from True ‘Til Death Tattoo studio located on Warner Street, Accrington. Matt expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’ve never done one before. Some artists I like have done Wallace and Gromit ones, so I couldn’t wait to do it.” His craftsmanship captured McGraw's essence, which, according to Joe, certainly looked “badass.”
Since A Vengeance Most Fowl aired on Christmas Day, McGraw has rapidly transitioned from screen to skin, becoming more than just local folklore. Tattoo parlors from Accrington to Cornwall have been flooded with requests for ink showcasing the amusing antagonist from Aardman’s Oscar-nominated film. Faith Garvie, operating at Black Moon Tattoo Studio, Liverpool, reported, “I did six Feathers [tattoos] last week alone.” The character’s antics—especially his unforgettable scenes with Wallace and Gromit—drenched with nostalgia, have been appealing across generations.
Various users have taken to social media to share their freshly-inked Feathers tattoos featuring different installments. Some depict him with wooden spoons or riding trains—a nod to the classic chase scene from The Wrong Trousers. Others encapsulate moments of comedy and tension between the characters.
Garvie noted, “A lot of it will be they grew up with the characters or their family did.” This sentiment rings especially true as customers share heartfelt stories behind their choices. One memorable account involved a man who got his first tattoo of McGraw’s wanted poster, explaining it had been his desire since the lockdown period.
Among the younger tattoo recipients is university student Gia O'Donohoe, 20, who vividly recalls seeing A Vengeance Most Fowl on Christmas Day. The comedic touch of having McGraw hold a seal pup, reminiscent of the iconic James Bond villain, led her to get it tattooed on her right arm. “It was at [that moment]... I knew it was going to be,” she remarked, noting the tattoo garnered significant attention online, receiving over 9,000 likes after being reposted by Aardman.
Gia’s appreciation for McGraw contrasts with her favorite character, Gromit, which speaks to the multifaceted appeal of Wallace and Gromit’s cast. She also has ink of Gromit knitting, indicating how deeply the franchise resonates across various aspects of her life.
Garvie also highlighted popular images of McGraw prompting users' requests, including the infamous moment he monologues silently trapped inside a glass bottle. “Everyone seems to adore it,” she said. “There’s also the iconic scene of him peering down the stairs.” Tattoo enthusiasts appear to relish the chance of immortalizing these layers of nostalgia on their skin.
The significance of these tattoos is emblematic of the community's larger cultural appreciation for Wallace and Gromit, celebrating beloved characters through body art. Many fans, artists, and creators find this trend encouraging, invigorated by the public's enthusiastic embrace of nostalgia, humor, and artistry.
After spending the past month creating Feathers McGraw tattoos, Garvie revealed her own desire to get inked, representing the character she loves so dearly. She states she is simply waiting for the right time, as business is currently booming. “It’s mainly just finding the time to be honest,” she remarked.