“The iconic "James" iguana sculpture on Whiteladies Road. Originally a gift to Bar Humbug, it now remains as a lucky landmark at Pazzo, Bristol.”
Since 1997, the site at Whiteladies Road was home to the iconic Bar Humbug. As a long-time patron and local artist, I created this green iguana sculpture as a gift to the bar and the surrounding neighborhood. Known affectionately as "James," the sculpture was designed to sit naturally atop the exterior railings, adding an unexpected, exotic character to the Bristol streetscape.
The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a master of its environment, native to the tropical canopies of Central and South America. I wanted to capture the species' distinctive physical traits—from the row of spines along its back to the large circular scale on its cheek—using the permanence of metal to mirror the creature's prehistoric appearance.
While Bar Humbug closed its doors in 2023, the site has since been revitalized as Pazzo. This new chapter for the building maintains a proud Italian heritage while drawing global influences into its kitchen. Throughout this transition, James has remained a constant presence. He continues to stand watch over the terrace, where it remains a local tradition for passersby and diners alike to stroke his head for a bit of good luck.
