Keep the long arm of the law away from our artists

Published: 8 October, 2010

• POLICE have stopped two artists from creating a mural with the consent of the manager of the Archway Tavern (Police fail to see joke of giant tavern toons, October 1).

As it seems no crime was being perpetrated, it appears that the police were acting beyond their legal power, and may themselves have committed a crime in stopping these artists when they were going about their lawful business.

Whether or not planning rules are being breached is a matter for Islington Council – not the police.

People are entitled to do anything lawful they wish on private property – otherwise we are living in a police state.

HARRY G MOSS
Manor Road, N16

• ON the issue of the huge new graffiti on the Archway gyratory, when it’s done well, I am a fan of graffiti.

There are various, large, wall paintings in the immediate vicinity of the gyratory.

We should do more to celebrate and protect these works of art rather than dismiss or damn them on sight.

This kind of art is modern, almost always energetic and I think is just as valid as any other form of art.

In many ways I’d prefer it over more usual/traditional forms of public art as it is almost always practised by younger, more marginalised people in our society, whom I’d rather be working with than working against.

Often, it can include an immediacy and humour which are really very appealing.

If a site such as this can be done well – and by taking notice not to include references to sex and violence these artists are clearly ticking several of the “good” boxes – then I say let’s encourage them.

Previously, all that greeted drivers coming down the hill was a high, black-painted wall (next door to an even higher black tower). Now, just look at the glorious picture they have to view.

CLLR ARTHUR GRAVES
Lib Dem, Junction ward

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