Crowds React to Removal of Banksy Artwork

Contractors faced backlash from onlookers as they removed Banksy's latest artwork, a silhouette of a stretching cat, just hours after its installation on Saturday evening. This piece is part of a new series featuring animal images that Banksy unveiled throughout the week. The decision to take down the artwork was met with discontent, highlighting the public's attachment to the elusive street artist's creations. Marc, a contractor involved in the removal, explained that the billboard was scheduled for replacement on Monday, but the timeline was expedited to prevent potential vandalism. He indicated that the artwork would be stored for possible future use by Banksy. However, the billboard's owner has expressed intentions to donate the piece to an art gallery, as confirmed by a police officer at the scene. In an effort to manage the crowd and ensure safety, police requested that a black board cover most of the cat image, discouraging pedestrians from stepping into traffic to capture photos. This incident follows a series of animal-themed artworks by Banksy, including a goat near Kew Bridge and monkeys swinging from a train bridge in East London, which have garnered significant public interest. The recent wave of Banksy’s art has not been without controversy, as former home secretary James Cleverly criticized one of his pieces for trivializing serious issues. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police reported no arrests related to the theft of a wolf artwork that was removed shortly after its unveiling.