I refer to the letters about the Headington Shark (Oxford Mail, September 2 and 11).

It's a sad truth that people often don't appreciate the wonders in their own town.

The Shark in the Roof, sculpted by John Buckley, is a beautiful, striking and, of course, unique work.

As such, it has been the image of many a postcard, poster and even book covers. Its fame has crossed the globe.

I think Bill Heine deserves a medal for bravery for commissioning it, knowing what trouble might ensue.

He also deserves a knighthood for being a true patron of art, providing, at his own expense, a work of art that delights and amuses almost everybody, and intrigues or puzzles the rest.

The councillors, bureaucrats and powers-that-would-be wanted to crush this expression of artistic originality or eccentricity and a nine-year legal battle followed, which Mr Heine eventually won.

As such, the Shark, whatever other meanings it may have, represents a significant victory for the freedom of the individual and for artistic expression which, for me, must make it one of the most important, if not the most important, artwork of the late 20th century.

When I asked Mr Buckley, the sculptor, what it was all about 20 years ago, he said it was a bit like Jaws, only this time it's attacking your house (nowhere is safe).

In the current context, that might mean our fear of terrorism, or nature's revenge for the abuse of the environment.

Anyway, after 20 years, the big fish may not be looking so fresh, but it has aged a lot better than, say, a dead shark in a tank of formaldehyde.

Mark Bridger Bernwood Road Headington Oxford