New research from Bristol University shows that many believe graffiti by street artist Banksy should be protected. The research argues that Banksy’s street art should be protected and become a listed asset to prevent people from vandalising or painting over his work.
The research was undertaken by John Webster a post graduate from Bristol University who said that there is “…clearly a strong interest in Banksy’s work. The public has indicated that this needs to be kept and by extension, preserved and an application for listing is one of these methods.”
Webster’s research supports findings from 2006 when 93% of people voted to keep Banksy’s street art on a clinic. This was revealed after a poll from Bristol City Council.
Banksy’s work can sell for thousands and thousands of pounds, however it is not always appreciated by the whole of the UK. In July one of his early pieces of work in Bristol named ‘Gorilla in a Pink Mask’ was painted over after being judged as worthless graffiti. Whether this was a mistaken judgement or not is debatable.
Webster, who is a solicitor that specialises in planning law, said that the current legislation for graffiti is based wholly on “prevention and removal” and leaves no room for “preserving graffiti.”
He also said: “Even if the owner of a wall wishes the graffiti to stay, the local authority could still serve a notice if in the authority’s opinion it is detrimental to the amenity of an area.”
If your local area or company building has been affected by graffiti tags and is far from a Banksy piece of art then invest in industrial coatings and stone cleaning . These can help clean and remove graffiti; the protective coating or magic graffiti also deters graffiti artists as it is designed to repel staining of water and oil based liquids.