Last Thursday saw the surprise removal of a Highbury mural, “Wild Islington” which celebrated biodiversity and had been a much valued feature of the streetscape on Highbury Grove since 1986. The dramatic and unannounced removal of the piece raises serious questions over process and how communities are consulted on such decisions.
Green Councillor for Highbury East, Caroline Russell said “I am very saddened by the loss of this mural and concerned about the hurried decision making process that allowed this to happen. It has been claimed the piece was taken down due to health and safety concerns, as the failing render was apparently letting in damp and chunks could fall off, but surely temporary measures could have been implemented to protect passers-by and to allow time for the restoration solution to be finalised?”
“It’s this kind of rushed removal that has also led to the loss of valued Banksy pieces in Islington, in the past. The council should have an accountable and timely process that consults other council departments, elected representatives and the local community before the removal of culturally valuable artworks”.
“In order to avoid any further losses and to protect Islington’s cultural reputation , I have proposed to officers that a register of heritage and public artworks is set up across the borough and that residents, businesses and community organisations should suggest items for inclusion.”
“In this case there was already a process underway to restore the mural with heritage lottery funding. Now the piece has been removed these funds are no longer available.I’m glad to hear that the original artists are looking to the future and are taking a pragmatic approach to the loss. As a local councillor I will be working with officers and listening to residents, the original artists and community groups to ensure that the mural is either recreated or replaced and that Highbury Grove will once again feature an iconic community mural.”