Banksy's latest fresco in London smeared with white paint

A work claimed by Banksy was partially covered in white paint in north London, leading the local authority to take protective measures on Wednesday. Claimed Monday on Instagram by the famous street artist, this fresco is composed of green paint dripping on a wall, representing the foliage of a tree with bare branches located just in front. At the foot of the wall a character equipped with a sprayer has been stencilled.

Forty-eight hours and an influx of visitors later, the work was smeared with white paint. Deeming it “sad” that it had been thus “degraded”, a spokesperson for the London borough of Islington, where this composition is located, explained that discussions were underway with the owner of the building “to allow everyone to enjoy the work of art while protecting it.

“Provisional” measures such as the installation of barriers and patrols have been taken and video surveillance cameras are being considered, according to the same source.

Last December, a previous work by Banksy, representing combat drones on a stop sign, was stolen in the British capital before the stunned eyes of onlookers. Two men were subsequently arrested.