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Ben Kinsella mural
“Very upset”: BT ordered the tribute art of Ben Kinsella on the junction box in Holloway near where he was killed to be painted over

BT condemned for painting over artwork of stabbed boy

Roisin Gad el Rab
30.10.09

Bosses at BT were under fire today for painting over a mural of murdered teenager Ben Kinsella.

Council chiefs in Islington had issued a directive not to touch the art work on a junction box in North Road in Holloway, near where the 16-year-old was fatally stabbed last June.

Three days before what would have been his 18th birthday, BT told contractors to paint over the image of the brother of former EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella after a member of the public complained to an engineer about the "graffiti". Ben's father George Kinsella said: "We're very upset. It seems to be a breakdown in communications. Unfortunately we don't know who did the painting. We would like to track them down. It was a fitting tribute to our son."

Tributes have begun appearing on the BT box. Council leader Terry Stacy, who had ordered the art to be left alone, said: "Does BT live in a bubble? Ben's death was national news."

Scene where Ben Kinsella was killed
Scene where Ben Kinsella was killed
BT apologised and said it was looking for a solution to the "unique situation". A spokesman added: "Neither the engineer nor the contractor was fully aware of the sensitivity surrounding the painting."

Reader views (2)

 Add your view

This mural was beautifully painted and I walked past it every day. I also saw the guys who painted over it, and was so tempted to say something to them as I was really saddened to see it go. A few days later balloons were up at the site celebrating what should ahve been Ben's 18th birthday. I really hope that the artist comes along and paints it again and this time it is left alone by BT.

- Smb, London, UK

Are there perhaps not better mediums for the mural?

- Frank, Home Counties, England.


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