Headington Shark, United Kingdom

From series “The Most Unusual Statues and Monuments”

1 out of 10 - Cloud Gate Monument, United States

2 out of 10 - Sibelius Monumentti, Finland

4 out of 10 - Headington Shark, United Kingdom

5 out of 10 - Crocodile and Capitalist Monument, United States

7 out of 10 - Marcel Ayme Monument, France

Year: 1986. Lenght: 7.5 meters.

In Oxford on New High Street street is a very remarkable house № 2, whose roof is decorated with the sculpture 'Headington Hai'. The huge shark model literally 'penetrated' into the roof of the old building symbolizes anger and despair. The monument was opened in 1986 and was devoted to the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

At the time of the opening, the house belonged to a well-known radio moderator Bill Heine, who gave the monument an official name, 'Untitled 1986'. The glass fiber served as the main material for monument building. The length of the sculpture is about 7.5 meters; The shark weighs about 200 kg. The monument was designed by the local sculptor John Buckley. His best friend, the carpenter Anthony Kastiau, helped him to carve out the original sculpture from the fiberglass. With the years, the monument and the building are greatly decayed. After the complete reconstruction in 2007, however, they look just as excellent as at the opening.

Since its inception, the unusual monument has sparked many contradictions. The residents of the neighbors turned to the municipal authorities several times and asked to get rid of the shark because it spoils the landscape and is dangerous to safety. The inspectors who came to visit the monument in 1992 have confirmed that 'the Headington Hai' does not harmonize with the surrounding landscape. But the monument was not broken off. Today it is one of Oxford's most unusual and famous landmarks.

Next - Crocodile and Capitalist Monument

Mano del desierto, Chile

Crocodile and Capitalist Monument, United States

Back to the start “The Most Unusual Statues and Monuments”

Headington Shark - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'My Financial Advice' located in 0.07 km (

check the route on the map).

Car rental office: 'Co-wheels Car Club' is located in 1.93 km (

on the map).

Fuel station: 'Shell Station' in 0.07 km

Supermarket: 'Tesco' in 0.1 km

Parking: 'St Leonard's Car Park' in 0.28 km

Apotheek: 'Boots' in 0.07 km

Police station: 'Cowley Police Station' in 2 km

Cafe/restaurant: 'The Royal Standard Pub' in 0.01 km

Railway station: 'Didcot Parkway' in 16 km

Nearest airports:
» Oxford (Kidlington) Airport OXF - in 11 km

» RAF Benson Airport BEX - in 17 km

» RAF Brize Norton Airport BZZ - in 25 km

» Blackbushe Airport BBS - in 54 km

» Luton Airport LTN - in 59 km

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Athena Guest House

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The Terrace

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Vanbrugh House Hotel

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Top destination around Headington Shark - Oxford

The Trinity College is known for its majestic gardens. An ancient church executed in baroque style and preserved till nowadays is set in close neighborhood of the college. The building of college is of great architectural significance and historical importance. It will be a great destination for tourist visit. The St John’s College is a must visit destination for tourists in Oxford. The college was established in 1497. Short after its establishment the college was left abandoned and stood desolated till 1555. Since 1555 till now the college has been operating unstoppably.
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