You know it doesn’t make sense...
PEOPLE have been left outraged after a massive mural celebrating the stars of iconic TV series Only Fools and Horses was painted over just two days after its creation.
The mural, in Burgess Park, painted by Brazilian artist Gustavo Nénão, featured the show’s three main characters, Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter, his younger brother Rodney and Uncle Albert.
It took Gustavo 45 hours to finish the first half of the 15ft high painting in Peckham, and he had plans to paint the Trotters’ famous three-wheeled van, a yellow Reliant Regal, alongside it.
However, passersby saw a group of men painting over Gustavo’s work on Sunday.
News of the mural’s removal was soon posted on Facebook – and people were not happy.
Matt Oliver wrote: “This sort of thing should be commissioned by the council, not painted over.”
Matt Ryan added: “What is the point in that? Waste of time, black paint and the wages paid to the people who did it.
“The person who did the mural probably did it for free. Utterly pointless.”
Gustavo told the Gazette he had permission to paint from the managers of the building, the Steptoes & Sons reclamation yard.
He added: “Yes, we talked about the art and he was as excited as I was to start.”
The Gazette has made attempts to contact the business in question.
Explaining his decision to create the mural, Gustavo said: “Since I was a kid in my country, I’ve always been a big fan of British culture.
“I really like the idea of the series – ordinary people, real lives, financial problems and dreams. I think it’s an excellent reflection of life.
“With art I would like to bring good memories to the neighbourhood and its residents, to value the region and to bring more people to know such a beautiful park.
“A little nostalgia doesn’t hurt anyone.”
Many people incorrectly blamed the mural’s removal on Southwark Council.
Councillor Rebecca Lury, cabinet member for culture, leisure, equalities and communities, said: “The council has not been involved in this.
“However, we understand that the mural was created on private property with the owner’s permission and we can confirm that the people shown painting over it are not council staff.”