Borough High Street’s Blue Men: Art on Maya House

The article introduces ‘Walls and Trumpets', an intriguing public artwork comprising three naked cobalt-blue male figures ascending the facade of Maya House at 124-138 Borough High Street, London. These fibreglass sculptures, each holding a golden musical instrument, offer a striking visual likened to “Spider-man meets Brassed Off, via Avatar,” though they are explicitly stated as unrelated to the famous Blue Man Group. Installed in March 2007, the artwork was commissioned by building owner Isaac Ella with the primary aim of enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the existing 1970s structure, effectively serving as an architectural beautification project that injects artistic flair into the urban environment.

Created by the late Israeli artist Ofra Zimbalista (1939-2014), who was renowned for her distinctive and often vibrant blue sculptures, the figures were meticulously cast from life. This process involved models striking the desired poses and subsequently being smothered in plaster-of-Paris, a testament to the detailed creation process behind the dynamic artwork. While the article doesn't detail direct benefits for the wider public beyond visual interest and adding an eccentric landmark, the artwork certainly enriches London's urban landscape, encouraging passers-by to engage with their surroundings despite the bustling and narrow pavements of Borough High Street.

Regarding potential risks, the text humorously notes the “risky undertaking” for pedestrians attempting to gaze skyward amidst the busy street, rather than any inherent danger from the artwork itself, implying an observational challenge rather than a structural one. A prime viewing location for ‘Walls and Trumpets' is the historic Blue Maid pub directly opposite Maya House. This recently reopened establishment, traditionally painted blue, has led to speculation that the vibrant blue artwork might have been conceived as a deliberate artistic “response” or complement to the pub's established colour scheme and identity, fostering a unique dialogue between the building and its surroundings. The piece stands as a testament to Zimbalista's artistic vision and Ella's desire to transform a mundane building into a memorable landmark through public art.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/art-and-photography/who-are-the-blue-men-of-borough-high-street)