Banksy Roundhouse wall gets train mural

Published: 12th May, 2011
by JOSIE HINTON

ONCE a stop-off point on a tour of Banksy artwork in London, this is what the wall where his famous maid stencil once stood looks like now.

The street artist’s mural was whitewashed three years ago by a mystery figure believed to be angry that the images Banksy leaves behind often get special protection by starstruck council officials.

Now the Roundhouse and Camden Council have commissioned a new mural for the inviting brick canvass in Regent’s Park Road.

Eduardo Kobra, an artist from Sao Paulo, Brazil, known for creating “memory walls” across his home city, is the talent behind the new 3D painting of a locomotive.

Inspired by the Roundhouse’s history as a Victorian steam engine shed and its current status as an arts venue, the mural encompasses a large steam train, dancers, musicians and circus performers.

Mr Kobra, who finished the mural last week, with his assistant Eduardo Agnaldo, said: “People were stopping to take pictures and ask about the creative process. It’s really cool and I am even surprised because everyone says the Europeans are more reserved. At least in relation to art, I see you are very interested.”

Mr Kobra’s work can be seen across Sao Paulo. The largest of his murals, measuring 1,000 metres squared, was painted in 2009.

Staff at Domino’s Pizza opposite the mural said the pair were hard at work for two weeks.

“Every day they would eat a pepperoni pizza with no tomatoes and a bottle of coke, every day the same,” said a cashier.