Lobsters Take Over London: Philip Colbert Unveils Free Pop-Art Public Installation in Borough Yards

Presented by Borough Yards and curated by New Public, the exhibition, which features five over two-meter-high sculptures, an over four-meter-high inflatable and building takeovers of surrealist lobsters, marks the first major artist collaboration for Borough Yards. The takeover includes the UK premiere of Colbert’s work, Lobster Shark and the World Premiere of his work, Seated Lobster Inflatable. “Art should extend beyond the confines of traditional gallery spaces,” says artist, Philip Colbert, “with ‘Lobster Yards,’ I wanted to bring the colour, humour and imagination of the lobster universe to London, creating a free, open-air cultural experience that invites people to engage with art in a different way.” ‘Lobster Yards’ is accessible for all and will be on display throughout Borough Yards from 22 August to 30 October 2025. Famed for his iconic lobster alter ego, Colbert has transformed Borough Yards into his hyperpop world of inflatables, large-scale sculptures and vinyl installations. The takeover invites Londoners and visitors alike to experience Colbert’s work beyond the gallery, showcasing his belief in the importance of publicly accessible, democratic art. Visitors can explore five large-scale sculptures, each dressed in playful, surreal costumes referencing pop symbols, alongside a larger-than-life seated lobster inflatable. In addition to the sculptures, a towering lobster wraps around a railway column, while a sprawling vinyl design stretches across a railway arch, merging Colbert’s dreamlike world with the site’s historic industrial architecture. By reimagining cultural symbols through the lobster, a motif of transformation, absurdity and resilience, Colbert encourages the public to consider how familiar icons are shaped by popular culture and media. The lobster, both surreal and instantly recognisable, becomes a playful yet thought-provoking lens through which to explore how meaning is created, distorted and redefined over time. Philip Colbert, artist, continued: “Borough Yards, with its rich blend of heritage and modern creativity, felt like the perfect stage for my lobster universe installation. This collection is about making art democratic, joyful and part of everyday urban life. I invite everyone to explore Borough Yards and experience the installation in person. Its art made for the public and for London.” Rebeca Guzmán-Vidal, Co-Founder of Curate Real Estate, managers of Borough Yards said: “Situated at the heart of London Bridge’s flourishing culinary and cultural quarter, Borough Yards continues to evolve as a dynamic hub of creativity. Welcoming a renowned artist such as Philip Colbert to showcase his work in such an engaging and accessible way reflects our commitment to positioning Borough Yards as a true lifestyle destination in the city’s creative and culinary heart. As the first in a series of activations at Borough Yards, Philip’s installation transforms our open spaces into democratic arenas for artistic expression, ensuring that it can be enjoyed by everyone, from local residents and workers in the area to international visitors.”