ATG street artist ‘Mr P’ returns to update iconic graffiti at Kentish Town tube station
Published: 23 June 2011
by DAN CARRIER
FOR six years, the words “Kentish Town” have been emblazoned across a dank brick wall on the side of the area’s tube station.
And this week the cheeky individual responsible, known as “Mr P”, revisited the piece that had become a landmark -– and updated it.
He was helped by a team of residents and businesses who felt it was time to revamp one of his previous – and illegal – works with a cherry picker and plenty of paint. The original was done in 2005.
Former Acland Burghley school pupil Mr P, who grew up in Kentish Town, has become one of the most sought-after street artists of his generation.
He said: “I first did the piece when I had come back from a scouting trip to Berlin.
“I was tired of simply doing my name. In Berlin, I saw a lot of artists hanging down over the edges of buildings and using rollers on poles. They would not do tags, they’d do bold slogans.”
His art crew, known as Ahead of The Game or ATG, had previously caused a stir in 2003 by creating a similar piece across the railway bridge over Gordon House Road by Gospel Oak train station. It said “ATG Welcomes You To Gospel Oak” and its cheerful message meant it was frequently photographed.
Mr P recalled clambering on to the roof of the Kentish Town tube station back then – but this time, while still without permission, he did it in the middle of the day with the cherry picker and safety equipment, including high-visibility vests.
Mr P also enlisted the help of anonymous residents.
He said: “I remember thinking when I first did it that this is Kentish Town, it’s pretty cool, so let’s celebrate it. After a few years, I thought it could be improved and people in the area were happy for it to be redone.
“I didn’t realise it would become a landmark, but it has done. It is really nice to see my work embraced.”
Mr P was helped with funding by businesses and residents in the area – who he says he will not name.
He added: “The way we did meant it looked legitimate, even though it was technically illegal.”