North London’s latest Banksy artwork has been covered in plastic and surrounded by wooden boards. The mural features swathes of green to mimic leaves on a residential building. Islington Council has said it is discussing potential solutions with the homeowner to ensure the piece remains and is enjoyed by all. In the past, the council has mentioned that CCTV cameras would be installed and other protective measures considered after the mural was damaged by white paint.
The artwork also displays a stencil of a person holding a pressure hose, while the green of the mural perfectly matches the shade of the street signs used by Islington Council in the area. Nonetheless, the mural has been mired in controversy since it emerged on Hornsey Road in Finsbury Park. Just days after its unveiling it was defaced with white paint, with those responsible yet to be identified. The artwork has subsequently been partially covered in plastic with surrounding wooden boards, such that it is now difficult to observe the mural from the road.
Despite the setback, Finsbury Park locals and visitors alike recognize the importance of this art installation. Mary Dickenson, a community resident, noted that “when it first went up it was nice”. Visitors, such as Güley Polat from Germany, traveled long distances to see the mural, only to be disappointed by the barriers and coverings. Nonetheless, the fact that Islington Council is seeking means to protect the mural from vandalism and preserve the piece for the surrounding community highlights the significance of the artwork to its residents and adds to the cultural heritage of the locality
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