In a strange and un-expected move Transport for London Overground 2 nights ago removed the Banksy three monkeys art piece from the bridge over Brick Lane where they were stencilled in August of this year.
Where’s it gone?
The three monkeys were among the menagerie of creatures that escaped from London Zoo in Regents Park and had proved a popular, constantly visited landmark.
Tourists flock to see Banksy Brick Lane Monkeys
Banksy being “Buffed”. Photo by Anna Molony
Back in September we pondered the longevity of the 9 Banksy artworks. The Pirahna tank was grabbed by the Corporation of London and displayed in the Guildhall; an advertising billboard company said “That’s on our property” about the stretching wildcat and promptly removed it “For safety reasons”, location currently unknown; London Zoo removed their stencilled shutter and replaced it with a vinyl reproduction; the Peckham wolf and the horny rhino in Charlton were both stolen, now the only ones that remain in their original locations are the Kew Bridge Ibex, the Chelsea elephants and the Walthamstow chipshop pelicans though all have to some degree been either protected and/or restored. The Brick Lane Monkeys is the only one actually buffed.
Pirahna Fish Tank, Banksy, 11th Aug 2024, City of London
Banksy is possibly the best known and most popular contemporary artist in the world. This cleansing is sadly an act of art desecration of the worst kind. It demonstrates the poverty of regard held by corporations and authorities for art in this country. While this art form has ephemerality at its core, if this artwork had been in the National Gallery (thank god it isn’t) and had a bowl of soup lobbed at it the establishment would be horrified and the press would be engaged in a witchhunt.
During lockdown Banksy created a piece of art inside a TfL tube train which was promptly cleaned the same day, TfL issued a statement saying that this was consistent with their “strict anti graffiti policy”, though that policy would appear to be “strictly flexible” as the Nathan Bowen character and sundry other un-authorised marks have been left intact on the bridge, just the Banksy was buffed.
“TfL Overground in massive Nathan Bowen endorsement!”
About 100 metres from the Banksy monkeys, the very same concrete structure carrying the same line has for about 6 years been the site for of some of the best graffiti and street art painted in London with the consent of the same property owner by artists. Why did they have to destroy this Banksy when it was on the same structure? It defies logic.
WOM Collective enjoy an art painting jam on the same structure as the now removed Banksy Monkeys, March 2024
I have asked Transport for London for an explanation for this wanton act of corporate philistine behaviour but expect it will take several weeks to get a reply.
You don’t mask you don’t get – Banksy, 2020
