Ben Kinsella tribute Mk2 – Artist reproduces mural that BT painted over

Published: 12 February 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB

AN ANONYMOUS artist has re-created a mural tribute to murdered teenager  Ben Kinsella after BT contractors accidentally painted over the original.

The artist was traced after Ben’s parents appealed through the Tribune for him to come forward.

Now, he has reproduced his original image of Ben, first sprayed on a BT junction box at the junction of York Way and North Road, where the teenager died in 2008.

The artist – keen to preserve his anonymity – presented the painting to Islington’s Witness Service. It was handed to Ben’s family at Islington town hall yesterday (Thursday).

Ben’s mother Debbie said: “My family and I were deeply moved when we first saw the original, fitting tribute to Ben, which we know he would have loved too, being very much into art himself. 

“It was a very simple but effective tribute to our son. We were really upset when it was accidentally removed, as so many people had told us how much they too enjoyed seeing it.

“We would like to thank the artist so much for repainting it and also BT for arranging a framed copy for us. Many thanks too to councillor Terry Stacy and [victim support officer] William McGarvie.”

Mike Witts, of BT, said: “We’re pleased to have the opportunity to make amends for the accidental removal of the artwork from our cabinet.”