Art / floating harbour

Mystery statues appear

By Sam McEvans  Sunday Jun 14, 2026

Two megaphone-headed statues have appeared on top of a cafe overlooking the Floating Harbour.

One of the scarf-wearing figures is wielding a baseball bat, while the other holds up a placard displaying a defaced ‘1%’.

The duo are located on the roof of the of the Crepe and Coffee Cabin next to Prince Street Bridge.

EatDrink24/7 Launch Party is back on July 8 2026!
Exclusive collabs from Bristol’s favourite food vendors, available for one night only. Be first to grab your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 guide – plus every ticket comes with a free limited-edition beer can.

The installation has attracted a lot of attention at the Cabin

The unexpected artwork on the docks appeared overnight on Friday and has become a talking point in the cafe over the weekend.

“Mystery statues!”said Rose McPhee, who works in the kiosk. “The owner is as clueless about it as I am.”

“No artist, nothing. But it’s good publicity for the Cabin.”

Crepe seller Rose McPhee told crowds she was “clueless” about the statues’ origin

Rose said that the figures bear a resemblance to the Freedom of Speech sculptures that stood at Ashton Court from 2020 to 2025.

Those works were created by Bristol artist Hugo Farmer, whom Bristol24/7 has contacted for comment.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Island (@theislandbristol)

The installation could be timed with the recent news that Elon Musk has become the world’s first trillionaire.

Passerby Louis Strugnell said: “It looks really good and it feels very Bristol.

“It means that the one per cent aren’t really welcome here, which is a message I agree with.”

All photos: Sam McEvans

Read next:

Our newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing and Privacy Policy

Bristol24/7 will use the information provided on this form to send you marketing from Bristol24/7 and selected advertising partners. Your data will not be passed onto third parties. By completing this form, you are consenting to our use of your data for marketing purposes via email.


We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

EATDRINK24/7 LAUNCH PARTY
CALLING ALL FOODIES!

Bristol's only truly independent food & drink guide is back, and we're throwing a party to celebrate on July 8 2026 at Wiper and True Brewery & Taproom, Old Market.

  • Exclusive collaborations from Bristol's favourite food vendors (you can't try these special dishes anywhere else)
  • Be the first to pick up your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 Guide
  • Music + great drinks
  • Each ticket includes a beer from Wiper and True, a special limited-edition can created just for the occasion.

One night only - don't miss out

Get Your Ticket

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning

Are you sure you want to downgrade?

You will lose some benefits you currently enjoy.
Benefits you will lose: