A life-size Volvo in Mario’s Cafe?

Popping by Kelly Street’s teeny-tiny cafe for an espresso this week, we gasped at a striking life size artwork of a Volvo hanging across one wall.

Called Amazon 131, it’s a work by artist Paul Shearsmith, photographed by local ledge Douglas Cape (him of the 360 degrees Alma Street panoramas)

“Over time I’ve come to view my Volvo Amazon 131 as a piece of ongoing sculpture,” says Paul. “I bought it in 1989 with the intention of doing it up. After several knocks (none of which were my fault), and insurance right-offs, I decided to do just enough to keep it on the road. So this is the state of it now. Hopefully it will end its days on bricks in a field with wildlife using it. Perhaps a future show…”

While the work mounted on MDF will set you back a mighty four and a half grand, a postcard of the image is a more affordable £3.

And the official launch? Why, this Saturday afternoon from 3-5pm, where you can ponder more photos by Shearsmith and Douglas Cape, as well as guzzle complimentary prosecco and espresso. Sweet.