Having beef with Banksy was not on my bingo card for 2024, but the graffiti artist’s latest work has me worried.
The secretive sprayer has confirmed that a green-themed mural in Finsbury Park is indeed one of his original works; a leafless pollarded tree on Hornsey Road has been given a cheerful green backdrop for a dystopian spring vibe.
I’m a fan of jazzing up an uninspiring façade (check out this week’s cover story more neighbourhood art attacks), but I’m also concerned about my rent.
I hightailed it up from Hackney to Finsbury Park late last year after my landlord threatened to up my monthly payment by 50 per cent.
I’m one of many Londoners who has become a lodger to make living in the capital financially viable, and my new friend-lords gave me a very good deal.
But perhaps their generosity will falter now that the herald of gentrification is nigh: an original Banksy in the neighbourhood.
My concern pales in comparison to that of the residents in the actual building ordained for the Banksy blessing (or is that curse?).
When property becomes a canvas, it brings all kinds of complications.
This mural is so large it cannot simply be carved away, or cut off by thieves like his recent Peckham piece.
The owner of the block of flats is reportedly a local estate agent who bought back in 2012 for £400,000.
He’s gone on record to say he won’t put his tenants’ rent up, but he also said that if someone wants to offer him millions he would, of course, sell up.
And where would the tenants be then?
I’ve seen one estimate that the block could be worth £19 million now, which seems insane.
As for property prices in the area, it’s far too early to say, but Rightmove are reporting a 30 per cent increase in searches for homes in Finsbury Park since the mural’s creator was confirmed.
For now, the piece is bringing delight to local residents. Let’s hope it stays that way.
