Dismay as Kew Bridge Banksy is Removed

Mountain goat image had appeared on building last summer

Contractors for Fine Art Restoration remove the section of the wall on which the Banksy was painted. Picture: Facebook

February 7, 2025

There has been shock and dismay from residents near Kew Bridge following the arrival of workmen to remove the artwork by Banksy that appeared last August.

Work began earlier this week to dismantle the piece of the wall of the Boss and Company, London’s oldest gun manufacturer, on which the image of a teetering mountain goat had been painted.

The removal is being handled by a company called Fine Art Restoration which has handled similar relocations of the artist’s work in the past. It is understood that the action was prompted by the building owners being about to start work on the building to add another floor and a new roof. These plans were initiated before the goat was sprayed on the wall and the section where was painted was due to have a window installed.

The Banksy mural by Kew Bridge. Picture: @banksy/Instagram

According to a report in the Daily Mail, the section of masonry is being transport to Carlisle to be restored but may not be returning to its original location. The building owners are quoted as saying they will 'explore options for its future display so it can continue to be appreciated' once the building works are complete. They have denied suggestions that they intend to sell the work.

They said, 'As part of a long-planned and carefully considered refurbishment of 110 Kew Green, which commenced last year, structural works will begin this week.

'These works, which include the addition of another floor and a new roof following the granting of planning permission, are essential for the long-term future of the property.

'The owners recognise the cultural significance of The Goat, a piece by the renowned British artist Banksy, and appreciate the community's interest in and affection for the artwork.

'Given the scale of the construction, the decision has been made to carefully remove the artwork to ensure its conservation and protection during the redevelopment process.

'The removal and conservation will be carried out by specialist art conservators with expertise in preserving street art, ensuring that the piece remains intact and safeguarded.

'Once the redevelopment is complete, the owners will explore options for its future display so that it can continue to be appreciated.

'The owners thank the community for their understanding and support as these essential works take place and remain committed to respecting the cultural significance of the artwork.'

Chris Bull, of Fine Art Restoration, added, 'We have worked on lots of Banksys over the last 12 years and each one is always very interesting and very enjoyable - equally very challenging as well.

'They're always divisive. They always get the public's interest up and people always want to know about it. ‘

One local contacted us to say, ‘I wasn’t fond of it initially and found it annoying when people blocked the pavement to have a gawp at it but having passed it hundreds of times since it went up I grew to love it and would be desperately disappointed if it doesn’t return.’