Two iconic Norwich statues have been given a makeover - again.

Eastern Daily Press: The iconic figures outside the Samson & Hercules looking more colourful for the art exhibition. Photo: Bill SmithThe iconic figures outside the Samson & Hercules looking more colourful for the art exhibition. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant © 2012)

The Samson and Hercules have stood on the porch of number 16, Tombland, for 360 years.

In the intervening period, the statues were removed and left in the rear courtyard for more than a century, Samson lost an arm, and Ikon nightclub ultimately replaced them with fibre glass replicas in 1999.

The club closed in 2003 and Samson and Hercules stood guard to an empty building for more than a decade, although they were brightly redecorated for an art exhibition in 2012.

Eastern Daily Press: Decorator Chris Collins gives Samson & Hercules a makeover in salmon pink as an undercoat for their new pillarbox red look. Photo: Bill SmithDecorator Chris Collins gives Samson & Hercules a makeover in salmon pink as an undercoat for their new pillarbox red look. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant © 2014)

The pair underwent a striking makeover in 2014 when the building was reopened as a lobster restaurant and the statues were painted bright red - an unpopular choice with many who felt the new look was not in keeping with the buildings surroundings.

Just Lobsters went into liquidation last November and now new owners, Cocina Mexican and Margaritas, have restored the white coat.