Transport for London (TFL) says the removal of a community mural along Tolworth Roundabout’s underpass was due to offensive graffiti, and “was not related to the Tolworth roundabout project”.
In a statement released yesterday evening, 25 April, TfL explained how the removal of the graffiti would not have been possible “without further damaging the mural”.
The aquarium-themed mural, known as Triassic Tolworth Aquarium, depicted a number of animals from the Triassic period to mark International Dinosaur Month in April 2022.
However the artwork was “cleaned” by TfL early this week, with Robin Hutchinson, the founder of local charity The Community Brain who commissioned the work, calling their behaviour “another act of cultural vandalism”.
While some local residents were quick to blame Kingston Council, TfL has confirmed that they are responsible for the mural’s removal.
Mr Hutchinson says he was contacted by TfL yesterday, 25 April, and has been promised a meeting on Tuesday 30 April to discuss the future of the underpass.
“I hope we can resolve the issue in a way that brings beautiful art back into the area,” he said.
Mr Hutchinson expressed concern that TfL did not first contact the charity when the offensive graffiti was found, explaining: “Normally we’d have the chance to have the artist go back and just spray over [the graffiti].”
The Triassic Tolworth Aquarium mural has been stripped from the walls of Tolworth Roundabout’s underpass (Photo: Robin Hutchinson)
A TfL spokesperson said: “We always seek to work with local communities to ensure our network is welcoming and inclusive.
“Sadly, one section of the mural in this underpass had become covered with graffiti, some of it offensive.
“We always work to remove graffiti as soon as possible and unfortunately it was not possible to remove it without further damaging the mural.
“We have reached out to representatives of the local community and are meeting them next week to discuss any proposed replacement.”
The Community Brain’s mural coincided with Kingston Council holding a range of dinosaur-themed activities across Tolworth, Hook and Chessington in 2022 to raise awareness of the many significant dinosaur fossil finds in Surrey.
The mural was designed and painted by artists We Are Sky High, depicting a range of different prehistoric underwater creatures, including Ichthyosaurs, Basilosaurus, Plesiosaur and Ammonite.
By covering both walls as well as the ceiling of the underpass, it was hoped the public artwork would give the feeling of being in a tunnel at an aquarium or sea life centre.
It is currently not known what artwork will replace the mural, but Nub News will publish any developments as they are announced.
