Earl of Glasgow asks to keep graffiti mural
The Earl of Glasgow has written to Historic Scotland asking if a controversial graffiti mural on the walls of his family’s 13th century castle in Ayrshire can remain as a permanent feature of Kelburn Castle in Largs. The mural features a psychedelic series of interwoven cartoons depicting surreal urban culture. It was completed by Brazilian graffiti artists in 2007 at a cost of £20,000.
It was permitted by North Ayrshire Council on the understanding that it was temporary. A three-year limit was put on the graffiti, pending the start of work to replace the harling render on the exterior of the turret. The castle is located in the grounds of Kelburn Estate, which also houses a country centre open to the public and featuring a series of outdoor attractions.
Last month the mural was named as one of the world’s top ten examples of street art by author and designer Tristan Manco – on a par with Banksy’s work in Los Angeles and the Favela Morro Da Providencia in Rio de Janeiro.
via BBC News
Photo by Dan
Graham Spicer, aka ‘Gramilano’, is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman’s Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Italian ballerina Carla Fracci.
Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in many books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.
He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.
