Blur Banksy Council Furore

Blur Banksy Council Furore

08 September, 2009
by: Spoonfed Team

Hackney Council have painted over a Banksy mural that Blur featured on their 2003 single 'Crazy Beat'. To the outrage of local residents, Council workers began to remove the graffiti last week.

In a rare break from anarchic tradition, graffiti artist Banksy had gained permission from property owner Sofie Attrill to paint the satirical mural on the side of her privately owned building in Stoke Newington, London. As per, the stencil featured a rather satirical parody of The Royal Family waving atop a balcony, and was less than favoured by the Council who were 'smiling' as they removed it.

They had reportedly made a mistake in Attrill's address, having not updated her records for 25 years. When their written request to remove the mural wasn't answered, the general assumption was that of acquiescence, and work was started. Those cultural pillars down at the Council claim that their position is 'not to make a judgement call on whether graffiti is art'. Probably why you haven't seen them writing for Frieze Magazine.

When asked to comment, the Council explained that 'due to a problem at the land registry, unfortunately our letters stating our intention to clean this building didn't reach the owner… We are now speaking with her about how to resolve the issue'.

Attrill didn't like the mural for its oh so controversial portrayal of the royal wave or its subtle two fingers up at the Council, saying 'I don't care about art or politics – I am just an ordinary girl who liked being cheered up by seeing this on my street'. Seemingly many people shared this opinion, and after a crowd gathered, the removal work was stymied, and the mural partially saved.

GM

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Spoonfed Team