He sure is a timberland fan 👀🕵️‍♂️

A criminal damage investigation into the whitewashing is certainly ironic, when bearing in mind Banksy's origins.

But I myself would not describe this as the world having gone mad. Because it makes perfect sense to me, especially when considered from the perspective of Lowestoft and its residents.



The professional status and cultural significance Banksy has built up over the years means his unsanctioned interventions have broadly ceased to be viewed as vandalism — whether by the general populace, its elected representatives, or the authorities.

Indeed, the opposite would be true. More often than not, Banksy's street pieces are now looked upon as surprise "gifts" to the relevant neighbourhoods. And, crucially, gifts that are very much welcomed. They generate interest and promote civic engagement. They shift the status quo, by adding value rather than taking away from it.

And so, when these artworks are defaced or destroyed, there is an identifiable loss that provides the foundation for a criminal damage case.



Regardless of any misgivings some individuals may have on the subject of what street art or graffiti "should be about", this is the current reality when it comes to Banksy. Specifically, his interventions are treated as the exception. The position he holds is pretty unique.


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Try placing yourself in the shoes of a struggling business just coming out of lockdown in Lowestoft. Like, say, a retail shop, hotel, bed & breakfast, restaurant, café or bar.

Next, imagine the impact of a new Banksy piece suddenly popping up nearby.

It might well be a lifeline. Possibly even a godsend — attracting day visitors and tourists; re-energising an entire community after the Covid-19 restrictions; helping to bring people together again; offering locals some pride in the fact their town had become a talking point and was momentarily in the international spotlight.



To my mind, the cocktail-drinking rat, cleverly positioned beneath the beach drain pipe, was artistically strong enough to have become a notable cultural landmark for the area.

Whether as a morale booster or simply in terms of potential tourism revenue, the artwork probably had more value to Lowestoft than if Banksy had offered the town 25 gold bars weighing 1kg apiece.



Now imagine what a depressing comedown it must have been for business owners and residents when they discovered the rat was covered over. And so pointlessly as well, to the detriment of the commons. Simply for reasons of petty envy or spite by one individual.

My hope is that the painting can be restored.



As you posted an ITV News headline, I in turn found another article by the same outlet. Please see below.

The video therein is recommended — if only to listen to the winsome elderly lady with the embroidered black top, starting at 0:47. For me, her comment about "some brainless cretin" offered a perfect assessment of the situation:

www.itv.com/news/anglia/2021-08-15/council-condemns-mindless-and-selfish-behaviour-after-banksy-mural-vandalised