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Yes - it's a shark in the roof.

Yes - it's a shark in the roof. by Daveybot.
This is The Headington Shark in Oxford, officially its title is untitled 1986, named after the year it was installed. Well of course the battle with the planning authorities lasted for years but in the end the shark was allowed to stay. I couldn't be happier.

The story is a fascinating one and well-told on this site. I strongly suggest you have a read of it, but for the time being enjoy this quote from a 1992 article about the shark in The Times:

There is nothing about smiling in the analects of the planning committee of the Oxford city council, and that august body ruled that it must come down, giving as the reason that it had been put up without planning permission, or more likely just because it was delightful, innocent, fresh and amusing — all qualities abhorred by such committees. 

Comments

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freef0cus  Pro User  says:

bizarre and wonderful!
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

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casewiggle says:

seen that!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

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Brownie Bear  Pro User  says:

I seem to remember hearing that the owner wanted to put up a conservatory/extension at the rear and was refused planning permission. However, the shark did not require it. So the shark was put up as a protest about this.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

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Bowhaus  Pro User  says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Improbable Titles, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

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new hobby  Pro User  says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Odd Shots, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

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Ashellygirl says:

"Huney Im home why is there a shark in my roof"
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

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Ron,Ron,Ron  Pro User  says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called A Plethora of Fish Facsimiles, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

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johannes_96 says:

NICE
Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

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fifthteensuperhans says:

I Love going past that place ever so kitchy
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

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XDinosaur_ZarX says:

THIS has got to be alot of .............................?!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

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mefeather  Pro User  says:

Funny! :)
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

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view photos Uploaded on May 11, 2006
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Improbable Titles (Pool)

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