Blunder as council paints over mural of poet
THE family of the late Benjamin Zephaniah are to press for a young city artist to have the chance to repaint a majestic mural that was destroyed ‘in error’ by council contractors.
They hope the work can be recreated in a setting more befitting the poet’s legacy.
The artwork appeared on a wall of Hockley underpass last month and was widely praised.
Zephaniah’s brother Tippa said it was so good that he approached city councillors Sharon Thompson and Waseem Zaffar to ask if it could be protected.
Arrangements were said to have been put in place to ensure artwork in the underpass was kept intact – but graffiti removal contractors Keir then painted over it because it was on an outer wall, and not apparently covered by the instruction.
Tippa sadi: “Given the very recent passing of my brother, and the significant contributions that he had made artistically, politically and culturally in this city over decades, this removal showed little respect for him or the community that held him dear, not just in Brum, but internationally, as the people’s poet.
“This mural was a carefully constructed piece of art that took hours to complete and probably just minutes to destroy.
“There clearly was a breakdown of communication between Birmingham City Council and Kier.”
Mr Naphtali said he now hoped it would mean the work could be redone in a more salubrious setting.
He added: “It is an absolutely beautiful piece of art which is kind of wasted in the Hockley underpass, which most members of the public seem to actually avoid using due to poor lighting and sanitation, as well as a reputation for anti-social behaviour.”