‘Terrible misunderstanding’ led to Black Lives Matter mural being painted over
A graffiti mural in solidarity with Black Lives Matter following the death of George Floyd in the US has been painted over in the Pottergate underpass. PIC: Peter Walsh - Credit: Archant
A “terrible misunderstanding” led to a mural in a Norwich underpass showing solidarity to Black Lives Matter protesters being painted over by council contractors, it can be revealed.
Graffiti in solidarity with Black Lives Matter in Norwich. Picture: Knapple - Credit: Archant
Earlier this week, artist Knapple painted a large mural in an underpass beneath Pottergate bearing messages in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
However, yesterday, Thursday, June 4, the mural was painted over, prompting fury from supporters.
Now, it can be revealed how the mural came to be removed - following a mix-up with the city council’s contractors and an automated system.
A spokesman for Norwich City Council said: “Yesterday, a complaint was made about offensive graffiti in the city. It was made online and went straight through an automated system to our contractor who, unfortunately, took action to paint over the mural.
People take part in a Black Lives Matter protest outside the US Embassy in London. The protest follows the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, US, this week which has seen a police officer charged with third-degree murder. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire - Credit: PA
“This has been a terrible misunderstanding and we will urgently work with our contractor to correct it.”
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The spokesman added: “We do not consider this in any way to be offensive graffiti, we consider it an important work of art.
“The city council lit up City Hall in purple on Thursday in solidarity with the Minneapolis community and in remembrance of George Floyd.
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“We denounce racism in the strongest terms and stand in solidarity with members of the BAME community in Norwich, across the country and globally.
“We would like to commission the artist to reinstate the artwork.”
The artist said: “The contractor really should have known not to remove it - how is that message offensive? It is a real shame it was removed.
“I was planning to redo it today anyway, so perhaps the council could also arrange for some kind of longer lasting piece to be done that can be stay for several years.”
MORE: Graffiti mural in support of Black Lives Matters appears in Norwich
