Distinctive sculpture removed from Belfast junction after 60 years

A unique artwork that has adorned a wall at a busy Belfast junction for almost 60 years has been donated to a museum.

Known locally as “credit and debit” due to its location at a former Ulster Bank property, the aluminium sculptures of two men have been removed for their preservation.

The artwork, Airborne Men, was completed by artist Elisabeth Frink in the early 1960s.

It was commissioned in 1961 on behalf of Ulster Bank, as a focal point for its then new banking facility at Shaftesbury Square, which opened in 1964.

Ulster Bank sold the building in 2009 but took a lease of the structure and retained ownership of the sculptures.

However from August 2023, there were be no remaining connection between the bank and the building, and the decision was taken to gift the sculpture to National Museums NI.

The sculpture was carefully and sensitively removed from the wall by experts on Wednesday.

After a thorough conservation assessment and preparation, National Museums NI intends for the works to go on display in a prominent position at the Ulster Museum.

Terry Robb, head of personal banking at Ulster Bank, said the artwork was going to an “appropriate custodian”.

“This is fantastic news that will see the future of these internationally important artworks secured and will enable them to continue to be accessible to the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland,” he said.

“Ulster Bank recognises their significance in artistic terms and as a landmark, and after careful consideration, we strongly believe that this is the best outcome for the sculpture and the city.

“National Museums NI is a world-class museum organisation and therefore an appropriate custodian of the artwork.

“National Museums NI also cares for an internationally significant collection of art, including a collection of works by Elisabeth Frink, which they took in 2019 following a multi-way gift from the estate of the artist’s son who died in 2017.”

Anne Stewart, senior curator of art at National Museums NI, welcomed the news.

“We are delighted these magnificent sculptures are coming into the national collection,” she said.

“This generous contribution by Ulster Bank, not only enriches our collection but also strengthens our commitment to preserving and showcasing exceptional artworks that hold cultural and historical significance.

“Elisabeth Frink’s sculptures are renowned for their powerful and emotive representations of the human form, and they will undoubtedly captivate and inspire our visitors when they eventually go on display at the Ulster Museum.”

SDLP councillor Gary McKeown welcomed the acquisition of the sculpture by the museum collection.

“The removal of this iconic sculpture marks the end of an era for Shaftesbury Square and this part of our city,” he said.

“While I’m sorry to see this landmark go, I’m glad that it has found a good home in the Ulster Museum where it will go on display so it can be enjoyed by future generations.”

Mr McKeown described the Shaftesbury Square area as having changed from one of the most thriving parts of the city to now hosting many empty shopfronts and derelict buildings.

“We need to see full regeneration of this area to transform it and give it back some of its former glory,” he said.

“This part of Belfast has so many positives, including its excellent location near Queen’s University, the city centre and the new Grand Central Station, and has the potential to become a real hub of activity in years to come.”