Headington Shark
2 New High Street, Oxford, OX3 7AQ, GB
Rating: 4.4 ★ (541 ratings)
Details
A 25-foot fibreglass shark, officially "Untitled 1986", pierces the roof of an otherwise ordinary-looking house at 2 New High Street, creating an startling and much-photographed spectacle in suburban Oxford. This surprising sculpture was the brainchild of the house's former owner, local radio presenter Bill Heine, and created by sculptor John Buckley. It was famously installed on 9th August 1986, the 41st anniversary of the atomic bomb falling on Nagasaki, as a powerful statement against nuclear weapons, war, and specifically the American bombing of Libya that year. Weighing four hundredweight (200kg), the headless figure was intended to convey a sense of impotence, anger, and desperation in the face of destructive global events.
The Shark's sudden appearance, erected without planning permission, initially caused considerable controversy and sparked a six-year battle with Oxford City Council, who argued for its removal on safety grounds. However, local support for the shark was strong, and it was eventually allowed to remain, becoming a beloved symbol of artistic freedom and a quirky local landmark. Though the house itself is a private residence and not open to the public, the sculpture can be easily viewed from the street and continues to draw visitors from all over the world. Its enduring presence is a testament to the power of art to provoke thought and conversation, standing in stark contrast to its quiet suburban surroundings.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hours; Thursday: Open 24 hours; Friday: Open 24 hours; Saturday: Open 24 hours; Sunday: Open 24 hours
Contact
+44 7763 693225
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