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Multiple murals vandalised in Bedminster
The police have been contacted after murals across Bedminster were vandalised over the weekend.
Many of the damaged murals have only recently been painted as part of Upfest’s current project to paint 75 walls in 75 days, a project being done in part to make up for the cancellation of this year’s Upfest festival.
Graffiti has also been daubed on older pieces of street art on North Street and West Street, as well as several adverts.
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Some say ‘kill Upfest’, while others say ‘black metal matters’, ‘black metal lives’ and ‘black metal mafia’. The latter variations are believed to be a dig at the Black Lives Matter movement.
Some of the black paint has already been cleaned off a few of the damaged murals, but others are feared to be beyond repair.
Black paint has been daubed over around a dozen different murals – photo: Martin Booth
Some of the wording has already been removed from the artworks where possible – photo: Martin Booth
‘Black metal lives’ appears to be a dig at the Black Lives Matter movement – photo: Martin Booth
In a statement on Monday, Upfest said: “This morning we have woken to the heartbreaking sight that many of our 75 Walls murals have been daubed with threats, which has ruined many of the pieces on North Street.
“We are still assessing the damage. If anyone has any CCTV footage or saw anything last night that could help us to identify this individual then we would very much appreciate it if you can send it over to us.
“The team and our artists are obviously very shaken up at the aggressive nature of this and we will be involving the police.
“We are working on ways to salvage as many of the murals as possible so please bear with us while we deal with this issue.
“Massive thanks to everyone who has already messaged us with pictures and support, it’s really appreciated.”
One theory is that a disgruntled artist not commissioned by Upfest is behind the tagging – photo: Martin Booth
‘Black metal livies’ – photo: Martin Booth
The vandalism was also not confined to newer pieces, with a horse on West Street by Andy Council which had been in position for many years also damaged.
Writing on Upfest’s Facebook page, the Bristolian graffiti artist, Inkie said: “Sorry to hear this guys… happy to help retouch and give the guy a slap if you catch him.”
Andy Council hopes to be able to repair his horse mural on West Street – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
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