One of Banksy’s recent animal-themed artworks in London, depicting two elephants emerging from blocked windows on the side of a Chelsea house, has been restored after being vandalized. The piece was defaced with white stripes shortly after it was discovered, but council workers have since removed the damage and applied an “anti-graffiti solution” to protect the mural from future harm.
This restoration marks the second of nine Banksy artworks that appeared across London in August. Kensington and Chelsea Council confirmed that the protective liquid is designed to safeguard the piece without altering its appearance.
Josh Rendall, a local ward representative, expressed his hope that residents and visitors would continue to enjoy this and another nearby Banksy mural on Portobello Road for years to come.
The sudden appearance of Banksy’s works in the capital sparked speculation about their potential political significance. James Ryan, CEO of Grove Gallery, speculated that some pieces might contain messages related to Palestine and persecution, referencing imagery such as a goat and a crying wolf.
While some of Banksy’s works remain on display, others have been removed or stolen. A wolf howling on a satellite dish in Peckham was reportedly stolen, while a silhouette of a cat on a Cricklewood billboard and a City of London Police sentry box adorned with piranhas were taken down by authorities for safety reasons.
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