The obliteration of a mural that has ‘become a little part of Spalding’ has been branded a ‘disgrace.
Several members of the public have taken to social media to bemoan the loss of the ‘Tank Man’ mural on the Short Street side of a Winsover Road property.
It was created in June 2022 by Edgars Bokans to mark the 33rd anniversary of the image of an unknown person who blocked tanks in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, on June 5, 1989, the day after the Chinese government violently ended a demonstration against it there.
The entire property, which is currently shut because the shop there was found to be selling illegal cigarettes, has been painted over.
Kev Turner contacted The Voice angered the Tank Man mural had been taken removed calling it ‘a disgrace’.
“I understand they’re probably trying to get a new tenant in a shop that’s been closed numerous times for selling illegal cigarettes,” he said. “But they’ve basically defaced something that had become a little part of Spalding.
“I’ve lived in Spalding for 20 years, including down Short Street for a while, and it really stood out and was memorable.
“It would be nice if the artist could re-do it elsewhere in Spalding.
“I think anybody would like such a good artwork on the side of their building.”
Artist Edgars said that he’d seen they were painting the building and spoke to those carrying it out.
“I managed to get one last video,” he said. “I was sad, but it’s what happens with graffiti and when you paint on private property, though I’d asked their permission first.
“I did know a lot of people liked it.
“I’m happy to speak to the owner about painting there again if they want me to.
“I’m currently working with others on creating several other artworks in and around Spalding.”
