A Shark Falls from the Sky
On August 9, 1986, a massive fiberglass shark appeared head-first in the roof of a house in Headington, Oxford. Commissioned by local radio host Bill Heine, it was a striking protest against war, nuclear weapons, and political powerlessness.
Art with a Message
The shark, named Untitled 1986, was installed on the 41st anniversary of the Nagasaki bombing. Designed by John Buckley, it symbolized Heine’s outrage at American airstrikes in Libya. At 25 feet long and weighing 200 kg, the sculpture made a bold statement.
Controversy and Survival
The Oxford City Council tried to remove the shark, citing safety and lack of permission. However, after a six-year battle, the UK government allowed it to remain, calling it a “dynamic, quirky” addition that defied norms without causing harm.
A Heritage Landmark
In 2022, despite protests from Heine’s son Magnus, the shark was named a heritage site. The house now operates as an Airbnb, keeping the story of this unconventional protest alive for visitors from around the world.
On August 9, 1986, a massive fiberglass shark appeared head-first in the roof of a house in Headington, Oxford. Commissioned by local radio host Bill Heine, it was a striking protest against war, nuclear weapons, and political powerlessness.🧵1/4 👇 pic.twitter.com/B9QnBvmqng
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