Unveiled in 2010, the Foxes and Cherries sculptures were created by Buckinghamshire-born artist Lucy Casson and can be found above Brixton market on the south-west corner of Electric Avenue and Electric Lane.
A graduate of nearby Camberwell School of Art and a local resident, Casson created the public art display in the heart of Brixton Market, partly using recycled materials.
Lucy says “Electric Avenue is the perfect place for these foxes to scavenge cherries from the market. I like the way foxes live among us; they are part of the layers of London.” [—]
There was a consultation held before the work went ahead, drawing a very wide range of opinions:
Some of the more positive comments included:
– “Good idea
– made us smile”
– “Think it’s a good idea to brighten up Brixton”
– “Great, cheer it up”
– “Fun and cheery!”
– “Quirky”
– “Good idea, especially for dyslexic people for giving directions”
– “It will be different, an attraction”
– “Would brighten up your day”
– “It will amuse people”While the negative comments included:
– “Don’t like foxes and cherries”
– “Waste of money”
– “Don’t like it because it will date more quickly than the weathervane”
– “Need art that represents Brixton, think its childish”
– “Need something more ethnic that represents people”
– “Makes no sense to have the foxes, but fruit reflecting what is sold in the market is good”
Local photographer Gramsci captured the scene when the sculptures were being installed in early October 2010:
As ever, a lively discussion on the local Brixton forum, urban75 took place, while a local resident wondered about the finances, filing a Freedom of Information request to ask how much the artwork cost and what the benefits it might bring to the area.
Lambeth later confirmed that design, fabrication and installation of the sculpture cost a total of £27,999.
See more photos of the installation – and discuss the work – on the urban75 forum.