Banksy’s work needs more protection says academic

An Academic in graffiti artist Banksy’s home city has argued that his work should be given more protection.

In July one of Banksy’s most famous pieces, Gorilla in a Pink Mask, in Eastville, Bristol, was painted over when it was mistaken for “regular” graffiti.

This weekend Bristol played host to the UK’s largest-ever permanent street art project which transformed part of the city centre with huge murals from international artists.

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While graffiti has traditionally been seen as a menace by local authorities and regarded as an indication of an area’s decline, research from Bristol University is questioning whether the work of the well-known artist should be protected.

Study leader John Webster, a postgraduate law student at the university, said: “It can be argued that his work, due to its political and social statements, carries a cultural significance in modern society. The public has indicated that this needs to be kept and by extension, preserved.”

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