Banksy v King Robbo. It’s war on the streets

Published: 26 March, 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB

IT SEEMS defenders of graffiti artist King Robbo have brought their vendetta against rival Banksy to Islington.

Banksy’s long-standing image of Charles Manson – as a hitchhiker holding a sign saying “anywhere” – on a wall opposite Archway tube station was changed to say “going nowhere” and has now been covered up. It is signed “Team Robbo”.

Banksy’s famous depict­ion of three children hoisting a Tesco bag “flag” on the side of an Essex Road pharmacy has also been targeted.

These are the latest incidents in a graffiti war which began last Christmas when Bristol artist Banksy painted over part of a King Robbo piece in Camden.

King Robbo – or perhaps his supporters – hit back, altering Banksy pieces in Camden.

This is believed to be the first time the feud has spread to Islington.

At Saveman Pharmacy in Essex Road, the Banksy work was protected by Perspex but Team Robbo managed to remove it, whitewash the shopping bag and replace the supermarket name with “HRH KING ROBBO”.

Pharmacy technician Raj Chavda said: “It’s not the first time it has happened. It’s very upsetting. My only hope is that I can get a local artist to fix it.”

Pharmacist Anand Chavda added: “They tore one side of the Perspex off and then stuck their hand in with a canister to paint over it. We’ve replaced the screws and put it back up but it’s not very nice. 

“I don’t know who started it but hopefully they’ll sort out their differences and keep making art people can enjoy.”

In Archway, residents are upset at vandalism of a piece of art that has become an institution.

One regular at the Whittington Stone pub, directly opposite the graffiti, said: “It’s been here for years. I think it was one of his first. I enjoy walking past it, it’s great. 

“It’s a pity they’re defacing the art of the guy. Why should someone ruin it? They think they can do better. Can’t they do their own work?”