Four nudes in the window of a hairdressing salon are turning heads in Oxford High Street. Every day, tourists stop to photograph the four nude statues standing in the window of Brothers' salon.

The artworks appear totally at ease as they bare all while surveying the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

But some, more conservative, passers-by have been getting hot under the collar, claiming the display lowers the tone of the street.

The hollow statues - three male and one female - are made from aluminium. They were installed by brothers Steve and Adam Buckland, who own the salon.

Receptionist Sarah Manger surveys the statues

Adam's wife Sinead bought the statues several years ago at a local auction for about £700.

For a while they stood in Sinead and Adam's back garden at their home near Oxford. When they were moved to the Brothers' Thame salon, they stood proudly near the wash basins.

They were brought to the Oxford salon six months ago because the Thame salon has more of a family atmosphere and the statues were causing quite a stir among visiting youngsters.

But, says Sinead, when they were put in the display window of the High Street salon: "We couldn't believe what a stir they caused.

"If you go to any art gallery in the world you're bound to see nude models - think of the Venus de Milo - so we don't think they're particularly shocking.

"But they'd not been here long when we got a call from the police saying several people had called them to complain, saying the display was offensive.

"We asked if we should take them down but were told that they could stay because they were just a bit of fun.

"We have been very surprised by some people's reaction. One man came in and told me that he found them very offensive and said he didn't see why the people of Oxford should have to put up with them.

"I thought he was joking but he was deadly serious."

Not everyone has complained though.

Sinead says several people have come in asking if the statues are for sale.

"They say that they cheer them up to look at them. In fact, we could have sold them several times over, but we don't want to part with them."

The salon's window display is regularly changed and the statues are expected to be moved in the next few weeks when they will be found a quiet corner in the salon.

Earlier this year, the hairdressing salon won a national award for its winter display which featured a glass and candle sculpture.