Is a Sculpture 'Land'?

Tower Hamlets v Bromley 1 concerned the classification of an ornamental object resting by its own weight. The facts of the case differ somewhat from the case law on ornamental objects in that it concerns a work of public art—a bronze sculpture—integrated into the garden of a social housing estate. This article focuses on the purpose of annexation where the object in question is ornamental and, in particular, the relevance of location, architectural design, and audience. The article then turns briefly to questions of the sculpture’s acquisition and ownership resolved by Norris J in favour of Tower Hamlets LBC (Tower Hamlets).