'Flying Figures' fly again as Ulster Museum installs iconic sculptures on its façade

Ulster Museum has revealed Elisabeth Frink’s much-loved Flying Figures - also known as the Airborne Men - have been installed on the outside of the museum building, marking their first appearance since being gifted by Ulster Bank in 2023.

First unveiled in 1964, the striking aluminium sculptures were commissioned for Ulster Bank’s new bank building on Shaftesbury Square by architects Houston & Beaumont and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, quickly becoming a Belfast landmark, affectionately nicknamed “Draft and Overdraft” by the Belfast public.

Ulster Bank sold the building in 2009, with the bank then taking back a lease of the whole building and retaining ownership of the sculptures to help protect and preserve them. In August 2023, with there being no remaining connection between the bank and the building, and with the aim of ensuring that the people of Belfast can continue to have access to these internationally important works, the bank decided to gift them to the Ulster Museum collection. 

Ulster Museum has proudly welcomed the sculptures into the permanent collection, strengthening its commitment to preserving and sharing significant works of public art. Their installation on such a recognised building, overlooking Botanic Gardens, will give people the chance to reconnect with one of the city’s most-loved artworks, while also strengthening the museum’s commitment to preserving and showcasing exceptional artworks that hold cultural and historical significance.