Backlash over painting of Tombland well-known statues

But a recent psychedelic makeover of the Samson and Hercules statues at 15 Tombland has caused uproar among some city folk.

Mortgage brokers Mortgage Advice Bureau, the current owner of Samson and Hercules House, temporarily repainted the statues in support of Break’s GoGoSafari trail of brightly coloured animals.   

The carvings currently standing outside the building are actually replicas of the original 17th century oak figurines.

But this hasn’t stopped an outpouring of scorn on social media.

The statues have a colourful new look (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest)

SOCIAL MEDIA BACKLASH

One social media critic described the makeover as “disgraceful, cheap and nasty”.

While another person posted said: “You can’t tell what the statues are now! It just looks a mess.”

Others called the new look as “just sad and tasteless” and “an ugly, tacky, tasteless mess – not at all in keeping with Tombland”.

Someone complained that the statues “hurt my eyes” and another person said they are “utterly horrified”.

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The sculptures have been painted in support of Break’s campaign (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest)

‘THEY LOOK GREAT’

Not everyone agrees with the criticism.

Bev and Jill who used to go to the building when it was a nightclub said the site has a lot of meaning for the people of Norwich.

Bev said: “I think they look great.

“When they were pink, they were ghastly.

Jill and Bev used to go to the Samson and Hercules nightclub which used to occupy the building (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest)“We love Norwich for the history.”

Jill said: “It used to be white out the front, that’s why people complain because of the legacy, it’s a nice classic building.”

Others also shared similar views, acknowledging that nostalgia plays a role in the way people feel about the city landmark.

Tony Dick said: “I have only lived in Norwich for 17 years and they have been different colours over the years.

“You have got to move on with the times sometimes.

Tony Dick, who has lived in Norwich for 17 years (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest)“It does make a statement

“Is it the right place? I don’t know.

“There are a lot of quirky things about Norwich.

“It has got so much history, it is why people get so passionate about change.

“It is alright to change something like this, but not the old buildings.”

Ann said: “I think I would have preferred if it was left how it was.

Ann, a visitor to Norwich (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest) “I am a bit of a traditionalist.

“What they have done at Cinema City is great, but this is a bit much.”

TEMPORARY MAKEOVER  

Oliver Dack, from Mortgage Advice Bureau, said: “We were going to repaint them white, they needed a bit of love.

“The repaint is in support of Break. 

“We picked Matt after contacting Break to get them painted.

Oliver Dack, right (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest)READ MORE: Police stop search after Norwich river body scare

“It is not permanent, and they will be painted white again.

“We are always looking for artists for internal exhibitions, we have about four or five a year who hang work in the building and there’s no charge.”

Matt Reeve who painted the statues and the Rhino sculpture next to them previously told the Eastern Daily Press: “The Samson and Hercules statues are such iconic sculptures in Norwich, so it was a real honour when Mortgage Advice Bureau asked me to give them a colourful makeover.  

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The vibrant new look for Samson and Hercules statues in Norwich (Image: Break)“It’s a fun way to help draw attention to the rhino here, and the GoGoSafari trail, and my art exhibition happening inside.

“And for those who prefer the originals – don’t worry, the statues will return to their classic look once the trail ends.”

The sculpture trail raises awareness about young people living in and moving on from care.

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Samson and Hercules ballroom. Dated late 1960s. (Image: Archant)

SAMSON AND HERCULES HOUSE

Built in 1657 Samson and Hercules House has been through many changes in its history. 

In 1934 local businessman and builder Teddy Bush, bought the building at auction for around £3,000. 

He also secretly bought adjoining premises with big ideas in mind, and in 1934 plans were drawn up for a swimming pool which could be converted into a ballroom. 

In 1935, the 100ft by 30ft swimming pool with was opened.

The plan is to return the statues to their original colour (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest)During the Second World War the Samson & Hercules ballroom became very popular with service personnel – after struggling initially as people thought it was ‘too posh’

The building underwent major renovations 1952 by Geoffrey Watling who owned the place form 1948 -1960.

Through the 60s and 70s the Samson and Hercules continued to thrive, playing a huge part in the social lives of young people in Norwich.

In 1982 the venue was re-branded as Ritzy’s nightclub and Uncle Sam’s Central Park fun bar.

The venue continued as a nightclub until 2006.

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Tombland is lined with historic buildings (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest)