Hull’s Banksy has been successfully removed from Scott Street Bridge for preservation.
The removal was necessary to preserve the artwork due to the deterioration of the bridge, which poses an increasing risk to shipping.
The street art was recovered by specialists Alan Wood and Partners following a successful test on the east leaf of the bridge last week.
The artwork was removed in three sections and has now been placed in secure storage. It will be restored and put back out for public display as soon as possible.
The Banksy being removed from Scott Street Bridge
Councillor Daren Hale, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for economic investment and regeneration, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have managed to save Hull’s very own Banksy and we look forward to having it back for public viewing as soon as practically possible.
“Our aim is to ensure the Banksy remains part of the thriving street art culture in this area and that the context of the artwork and the history of the bridge are fully respected and acknowledged in the final scheme.
“This was a complex operation. The local authority has kept Scott Street Bridge in place for as long as practically possible, but we have been advised that dismantling the bridge is the only way to keep river traffic safe.”
As Hull’s navigation authority, the council has a responsibility to keep the River Hull operational at all times. There are about 40 vessel movements a month and, within the Hull boundary, there are 10 operational bridges, most of which are movable to allow shipping to pass.
Scott Street Bridge was closed to vehicles in 1995 and ceased to be a public highway in 2007. It has been raised permanently since then. As the bridge is a Grade II-listed structure, the works have been carried out in consultation with Historic England.
