Banksy tree mural covered after apparent vandalism

London. It was nice while it lasted. An environmentally themed mural by the elusive street artist Banksy, which appeared last week on a London street, was covered in plastic and surrounded by fencing after an apparent act of vandalism.

The work is located on a four-story wall near a public housing project, next to a severely pruned royal cherry tree. On the wall the artist printed a small human figure holding a pressure hose. Squirts of green paint on the wall replace the tree’s missing foliage.

The work quickly attracted crowds, including Banksy fans from around the world. But days later, it was splattered with white paint.

The mural was then covered with clear plastic by the building’s owner, and a sign appeared saying the area was under video surveillance.

On Wednesday, workers began placing boards around it.

The local authority, Islington Council, said it fenced off the site to protect the artwork and residents from the impact of visitors.

“We have had many concerns from our residents about the number of visitors to the artwork, which is right outside their homes,” the council said in a statement. He said the fence would include clear plastic panels “to protect the artwork and allow clear views.”

Banksy, who has never confirmed his full identity, began his career spray painting buildings in Bristol, England, and has become one of the best-known artists in the world.

His work has sold for millions of dollars at auction, and his previous murals on outdoor sites have often been stolen or removed by building owners shortly after being created.

In December, after Banksy stamped military drones on a road sign in south London, a man was photographed removing the sign with bolt cutters. Police later arrested two men on suspicion of theft and damage.

The latter work would be more difficult to remove, as the piece depends on the tree for its impact.

Islington Council said it would monitor the site and “continue to explore future solutions with the building owner so that people can enjoy the artwork”.