The urinating mannequiin arches the eye of passers by in the window of Philip Browne's shop, which they now have to remove due to a complaint. Picture: Denise Bradley
Norwich men’s clothing shop, Philip Browne on Guildhall Hill, causes a stir with mannequin’s toilet humour
Joe Wilkes
Friday, January 20, 2012
10:21 AM
A shop owner’s light-hearted way of advertising his new year’s sale has caused something of a stir with city centre shoppers.
But Philip Browne got more than he bargained for when a complaint about his shop window display led to a call from the police.
The Philip Browne menswear shop, in Guildhall Hill, Norwich, features a wooden mannequin posed as a man urinating on a wall and spelling out the word ‘sale’.
The scene is completed with empty champagne bottles, party poppers and discarded clothes to depict the aftermath of a night out.
Mr Browne says the display has amused shoppers young and old, but now he has been advised by police to remove the mannequin after a complaint was made.
Richard Evans, visual merchandiser, and George Browne, sales consultant, with the urinating mannequin Richard created in the window of Philip Browne's shop, which they now have to remove due to a complaint. Picture: Denise BradleyMr Browne said: “It has been there 10-12 days; it’s just Great Yarmouth-style saucy, end-of-the-pier seaside humour. Everyone has been laughing about it.”
However, police were contacted by someone who was offended and the shop has now been warned it could be in violation of the 1986 Public Order Act, and advised he remove the mannequin.
“I think is unfair,” said Mr Browne. “We’ve had kids and families, laughing at it. We’ve had old ladies in their 70s laughing.
“In a gallery it is not offensive, but in public you can be prosecuted. It only takes one person.”
However, Mr Browne added: “We will change the display and apologise to whoever it is; we did not set out to offend anybody.”
The man behind the display is 30-year-old Richard Evans, who has a degree in illustration and works at the shop.
Mr Evans said: “The main purpose is to stop people and grab their attention. It gets them thinking outside the box and draws attention to the shop.
“Browne’s has been known for that over the years. For me personally it is like having an art installation; it is not there to offend people.
“I could have done a lot worse to be honest; I don’t think it is offensive. I understand the reasoning behind the complaint, but it is really not that big a deal. I think people take life a bit too seriously sometimes.”
One person who said he was offended by the mannequin was Stuart Goodman, a former Fleet Street photographer, who lives in St Philips Road, off Dereham Road, Norwich.
“This is going too far to the extent of being stupid. I’m against censorship but this is disgracefully offensive,” said Mr Goodman, 64.
“City Hall have put huge amounts of our money into making the city centre a centre for retail. For this shop to cheapen it is a bad thing. I’m not offended myself, but it is a very public space; it just seems wrong to put it in a space where people could be offended, and kids could see it.
“There is no need for it, it is cheap, nasty and pathetic.”
A Norfolk police spokesman said: “I can confirm that we have received a complaint about this shop window display from a member of the public. As a consequence, an officer called the shop to advise them that the mannequin could be considered offensive and gave words of advice. Officers will monitor the situation.”
What do you think? Write to Evening News letters at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE, or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk
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48 comments
I feel very sorry for the ONE person who complained, what a sad, lonely, depressing life they must lead! as to taking down the display because of the thoughts of ONE person, totally wrong, democracy gone mad, police should know better, its a brilliant display, creative, inventive and did what it's supposed to, caught the attention of the gp, well done I say!
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catalonia13
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Good publicity stunt, even made the mail today.
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nrg
Saturday, January 21, 2012
If you want something thats revolting take a look down Regent St Gt Yarmouth, at the mannequin throwing up into an oil can!
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biglingers
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Think someone should have called the Elf and Safety as there is a power socket on the wall that could have been dangerous if it got weed on!!!! It is brilliant and puts a smile on your face... I suppose those who are offended never go into newsagents or notice top shelf books, who are these complainers? get a life for goodness sake.
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Mr T
Saturday, January 21, 2012
dear oh dear, people taking offence at the representation of a perfectly normal human function.
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I ronnie
Saturday, January 21, 2012
You can just imagine how the conversation went when the yoghurt knitter that complained called the police "Officer,Officer,I wish to make a complaint about the urinating dummy in that shop window" "What seems to be the problem?".... "Can't you see? It's a dark coloured manequinn,Bloody damn racists they are!,why didn't thay make it a light oak cloured one? racist i'll tell you!"
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neil298
Saturday, January 21, 2012
There is so much in the country to bring misery at this time of financial ruin. Some one has the incite to produce a slightly risqué window display. That is clever,funny and has the ability to bring a smile to the face. After the week I have had, I find it offensive that an individual has the ability to remove the pleasure of the masses. This is not democracy
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OTBC
Friday, January 20, 2012
Paul Kersey has it. The Hall Inn pub, Sea Palling has a few of those Belgian mannequin prints in the gents` toilet. How dreadful! I will complain next time, if I feel brave enough. Good to see our emergency services deployed in such an essential manner. Gives the gulls and lost doggies a rest. That a former Fleet Street photographer (aka pornographer to the hacks) claims the moral high ground is truly wondrous to behold. Tunnel vision? Through a glass, darkly. And while still on the dark side, blackdog knows the real agenda. Crony publicity. Not far from the Lodge, after all.
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Mad Brewer
Friday, January 20, 2012
What a sick world we live in .............................. when one complaint can cause so much trouble! I cant believe that the police would waste their own and the courts time actually bringing a prosecution - but maybe they would. And Mr Goodman has got completely the wrong end of the stick - a lot of the reason that so many people shop here is because of the diversity of shops that bring so much interest and look different. Keep it up Mr Browne!
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Fred
Friday, January 20, 2012
it could be simply a way that the tailors dummies mark their territory.
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Peter Watson
Friday, January 20, 2012
Has nobody seen the statue of "Manequin P***" in Belgium?
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Paul Kersey
Friday, January 20, 2012
Offensive? Are they taking the p!ss.....
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mastergmac
Friday, January 20, 2012
It's quite appropriate considering how much they charge for their clothes....infact it's quite representative of the shop full stop!
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KeithS
Friday, January 20, 2012
It's quite appropriate considering how much they charge for their clothes....infact it's quite representative of the shop full stop!
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KeithS
Friday, January 20, 2012
I shink there takin' the p**s
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augustuspablo
Friday, January 20, 2012
Offensive? Are they taking the p!ss.....
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mastergmac
Friday, January 20, 2012
Regarding the mannequin, was there "wood"showing ?
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augustuspablo
Friday, January 20, 2012
Regarding the mannequin, was there "wood"showing ?
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augustuspablo
Friday, January 20, 2012
90% vote in favour plus the unanimous supportive postings say it all! The comment "Offence is taken and not given" is also very true and applicable. Very well done to get so much free publicity!
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blackdog2
Friday, January 20, 2012
90% vote in favour plus the unanimous supportive postings say it all! The comment "Offence is taken and not given" is also very true and applicable. Very well done to get so much free publicity!
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blackdog2
Friday, January 20, 2012
Just got in from a nice spot of lunch in the city with my dear old mum. We went past the shop to have a look and boy did my dear old mum chuckle when she saw it. If it's good enough for her, then it's good enough for Whiley. I like it. Very original and humourous. Good work to the gentleman who put this together. Not offensive at all.
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Whiley Boy
Friday, January 20, 2012
Utter brilliance- Nice one Rich. Some people need to get a life.
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Laura Jacobs
Friday, January 20, 2012
If Norfolk Police have time to act on this issue as a result of a single complaint then one must wonder if they are over-manned? What a waste of time.
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RichardS
Friday, January 20, 2012
Whoever complained should get a life. You can see this sort of thing every Friday & Saturday night down Prince of Wales road !
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"V"
Friday, January 20, 2012
This will not change the likelihood of my patronising this shop. I do feel that it is bordering on the cheap, probably because I would look twice if Marks and Spencer tried to emulate it. Doesn't it scream at you that this is an edgy menswear retailer who is in touch with their client base? I could find lots of things offensive everyday but as much as I want them prohibited everyone has their freedom to behave within a reason that I feel is too liberal. Consequently, I moderate nobody but myself.
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George Ezekial
Friday, January 20, 2012
@pearcey007 - If you actually read my comment properly, you would notice that is littered with sarcasm ... Sarcasm: Noun. Sarcasm is a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter jibe or ironic taunt.
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Whiley Boy
Friday, January 20, 2012
Come on whingers, this is art and being displayed in a shop which is renowned for being creative. I could understand the shock factor if the mannequin was urinating up the walls of John Lewis's window display but Philip Browne's has always been inventive, and good on them for doing so...a sense of humour is most definitely needed these days, especially for retailers! Plus, this store is located within the independent retailing zone of the city, an area everyone is proud of for being just that...INDEPENDENT! I would put money on the fact that those of you who find this offensive have visited a modern art gallery and pat yourself on the back for being cultural enough to browse the art supplements in the weekend papers...so stop being so hypocritical! Lastly, I'm sure everyone can agree that policing efforts would be better spent targeting the real urinators of our fine city. I guess mannequins don't talk back, unlike the peeing puking drunk pots of Prince of Wales Road.
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Missy_W
Friday, January 20, 2012
Surely the little poll speaks for itself, 84% aren't offended. Majority rules.
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Esméralda Barber
Friday, January 20, 2012
Come on whingers, this is art and being displayed in a shop which is renowned for being creative. I could understand the shock factor if the mannequin was urinating up the walls of John Lewis's window display but Philip Browne's has always been inventive, and good on them for doing so...a sense of humour is most definitely needed these days, especially for retailers! Plus, this store is located within the independent retailing zone of the city, an area everyone is proud of for being just that...INDEPENDENT! I would put money on the fact that those of you who find this offensive have visited a modern art gallery and pat yourself on the back for being cultural enough to browse the art supplements in the weekend papers...so stop being so hypocritical! Lastly, I'm sure everyone can agree that policing efforts would be better spent targeting the real urinators of our fine city. I guess mannequins don't talk back, unlike the peeing puking drunk pots of Prince of Wales Road.
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Missy_W
Friday, January 20, 2012
Being a window dresser myself, I understand the importance of catching the customer's eye and making a statement. The windows at this shop always catch my eye as they are unique, and this time it will certainly be remembered...I don't believe it is offensive.
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delgirl
Friday, January 20, 2012
Absolutely pathetic!! Of the hundreds of people going past every day, one person makes a complaint and the police advise the removal of the display! Oh and great reporting there - "One person who said he was offended by the mannequin was Stuart Goodman" who said " I’m not offended myself" the only other thing to add is that offense is never given, only taken!
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Focus1
Friday, January 20, 2012
Come on whingers, this is art and being displayed in a shop which is renowned for being creative. I could understand the shock factor if the mannequin was urinating up the walls of John Lewis's window display but Philip Browne's has always been inventive, and good on them for doing so...a sense of humour is most definitely needed these days, especially for retailers! Plus, this store is located within the independent retailing zone of the city, an area everyone is proud of for being just that...INDEPENDENT! I would put money on the fact that those of you who find this offensive have visited a modern art gallery and pat yourself on the back for being cultural enough to browse the art supplements in the weekend papers...so stop being so hypocritical! Lastly, I'm sure everyone can agree that policing efforts would be better spent targeting the real urinators of our fine city. I guess mannequins don't talk back, unlike the peeing puking drunk pots of Prince of Wales Road.
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Missy_W
Friday, January 20, 2012
Whoever made the complaint to the police needs to get a life. There are a lot more offensive things seen in society than worry about a mannequin peeing up againt a wall. Walk down gentlemans walk and watch someone making suggestive gestures with a sock puppet which I find offensive :p
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chebram71
Friday, January 20, 2012
ok delgirl-it may only be a Tailors Dummy but even Tailors Dummies have rights and feelings.look at hisher poor legs,not an ounce of fat on them.Bring back The Puppet Man!
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Peter Watson
Friday, January 20, 2012
All credit to this shop and the people involved, they have got far more publicity than they could have imagined. Is this model actually doing anything at all? Of course it is not, it is the mind and the interpretation that the onlooker puts on the image. Muppets complaining have blown the gaffe, they are the dirty minded ones for thinking it!!!!!!
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blackdog2
Friday, January 20, 2012
It's just my opinion. There's no need to be threatening, rude and offensive to me.
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Whiley Boy
Friday, January 20, 2012
next week the dummies will be shown having a dump. yeh--how humourous.
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bookworm
Friday, January 20, 2012
Absolutely ridiculous. I just tried to recreate this on London Street and despite clearly spelling out the word sale, when I'd finished all it resembled was a wet wall. With steam.
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Valpy Word
Friday, January 20, 2012
Some people shouldn't bother getting out of bed in the morning. Whether from turning on the radio or tv, or wandering down the road, they seem to be unable to not be offended by something. Philip Browne is a shining example of an independent clothing retailer. I hope this increase in publicity draws even more people to them. Some people really should get a life.
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DT
Friday, January 20, 2012
Some people shouldn't bother getting out of bed in the morning. Whether from turning on the radio or tv, or wandering down the road, they seem to be unable to not be offended by something. Philip Browne is a shining example of an independent clothing retailer. I hope this increase in publicity draws even more people to them. Some people really should get a life.
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DT
Friday, January 20, 2012
Some people just have no sense of humour. Think the window display is a great idea.
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Jaimie Ramsay
Friday, January 20, 2012
Can I register a complaint against the muppets making complaints? They've made the world a little less interesting, a little worse.
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GP
Friday, January 20, 2012
It has certainly done the job, it has caught the eye of the public! Well done I say. Oh and don't mean to be fussy, but it isn't actually a mannequin, but a taylor's dummy.....
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delgirl
Friday, January 20, 2012
@ Disillusioned. I'm not sure this is correct in every case - remember the dispute from the opticians on Timberhill? I can't imagine the publicity they created was good for business. However, I will be giving Brownes a browse after this. I had forgotten about them!
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AE
Friday, January 20, 2012
some mannequins have had a tough upbringing and they are well known for urinating when under stress.
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Peter Watson
Friday, January 20, 2012
Well either way, this has got people talking about Philip Browne, and I thought there was no such thing as bad publicity?!
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Disillusioned
Friday, January 20, 2012
I can only presume that there must be a phallic element to the display? If this is the case then I can understand the complaint. If not, I applaud the designer for something that is innovative, attention-catching and humorous to many people's taste.
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AE
Friday, January 20, 2012
It's very offensive, seeing as it is illegal to urinate in public. There can't be one rule for us and another for mannequins.
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Whiley Boy
Friday, January 20, 2012