A giant inflatable lobster will be erected at the heart of Scotland’s oldest university to mark the opening of its new museum.
The stunt in St Andrews University’s St Salvator’s Quadrangle will precede an exhibition in the Wardlaw Museum by pop artist and graduate Philip Colbert, who is famous for his cartoon lobster alter-ego.
Colbert, who has been described as the godson of Andy Warhol, will also erect three lobster statues around the university library.
The centrepiece of his show will be a reinterpretation of Jacques-Louis David’s 1793 masterpiece The Death of Marat.
Colbert said: “I love the idea of returning to my alma mater St Andrews and bringing my hyper-colourful pop world into this historic town.
“I think it will create an interesting dynamic between old and new, and my past and future.
“I felt there would be no better symbol of coming back than placing my giant inflatable lobster in the historic St Salvator’s Quadrangle.”
Colbert’s exhibition will focus on the university’s connection with art history through murdered French revolutionary leader and fellow St Andrews graduate Jean Paul Marat and the painting depicting his final moments.
The Wardlaw Museum, previously the Museum of the University of St Andrews (Musa), will open on April 4 following a £2.1 million overhaul.
Colbert’s lobster in the quad will be blown up on March 20.
