You might think it’s lovely jubbly, but Del Boy artwork may have to go
THE future of Mapperley’s distinctive Del Boy street art is in doubt after a legal notice was served on the owner of the building it adorns.
The face of the much-loved Only Fools and Horses character appeared on the boarded up Mange Tout restaurant, in Woodborough Road, Mapperley Top, in December.
The design - featuring Del in a Santa hat - would appear a play on his famous French malapropisms, “Mange Tout, Rodney...”
The former Italian and French restaurant has been empty for several years - and Gedling Borough Council chiefs has confirmed a legal notice has been served for the landowner to make improvements to the front of the building.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Gedling Borough Council strives to constantly improve high street areas across the borough, from supporting business owners to encouraging visitors to the areas.
“The appearance of that vacant property is of concern to the council and we have recently served a legal notice to the landowner which requires them to make improvements to the shop front, due to its very poor condition. Failure to comply with the notice will result in further legal action being considered by the Council.”
The future of the striking artwork has subsequently been left uncertain.
After the appeared on the building, some people thought the piece could be a Banksy, but its cheap and cheerful execution and lack of any discernible social comment make this unlikely.
The classic phrase “Mange Tout, Rodney” has made it on to T-shirts, mugs and greeting cards.
In the Only Fools and Horses West End Musical, there is a number named Mange Tout.
The musical has a week-long stint at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham in April next year. Tickets for the shows - from Monday, April 21 to Saturday, April 26 - can be booked at www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/onlyfools-and-horses/#book