An original Banksy masterpiece has been wiped out by transport officials over worries it could lead to a surge in graffiti, stunning fans learned today. The iconic mural, depicting three silhouetted monkeys on an invisible line, was sprayed onto a section of a concrete bridge in the capital.
But in a move that shocked the artwork’s fans, it’s been revealed that rail staff have deliberately obliterated the work with a high-pressure hose. Locals in Tower Hamlets, East London watch aghast as the piece was blasted from the arch recently.
Situated on Brick Lane, this bridge carries the Windrush Line of the London Overground between Shoreditch High Street and Whitechapel. After being jet-washed, remnants of other tags are still visible – but the Bristolian street artist’s monkeys have been obliterated.
Following an investigation by The Tab, Transport for London owned up to being responsible for the artwork’s removal.
The artwork, which was one of several created by Banksy across the capital this summer, had been protected by a cover, leading some to believe it would be preserved, reports Bristol Live. However, it has now been removed, sparking disappointment among fans.
A spokesperson for Transport for London said: “There are rules in place around graffiti or unauthorised art on the TfL network and there are good reasons why these must be followed.
“Sometimes graffiti or unauthorised art can attract more graffiti, which encourages trespassing and anti-social activity that poses a danger to the operational railway and customers, so this piece had to be removed.”
Some thought the three monkeys might have been a reference to the Japanese proverb ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.’ A protective cover had previously been placed over the monkeys, which some thought meant the piece would be staying in place.
The three monkeys were part of a series of Banksy artworks painted across the country’s capital this summer. Other works included a painting of a gorilla letting out animals near London Zoo, and a goat on the side of a building in Richmond, south west London.
On social media, users expressed their disappointment. One user said: “It doesn’t make any sense what they did, just look how people love it, many tourists coming to Brick Lane must be very disappointed now!” Another user added: “A tragic aspect of British life – rules over joy and entertainment. Very puritanical move!”
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