Why Banksy's fans are going bananas
For more than five years, John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson wielded their bananas menacingly by a road junction in Central London.
Spray-painted on the side of an electricity substation by the infamous graffiti artist Banksy, the image of the Pulp Fiction stars became world famous.
Countless fans came to visit the Old Street site and prints of the image sold for more than £1,000 each.
However, earlier this month a group of Transport for London workers were instructed to spruce up the area - and painted over the Banksy with whitewash.
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Pulp art: Banksy's Pulp Fiction spoof as it appeared on a wall near Old Street Tube station for more than five years
Since then another, seemingly less accomplished, artist has re-covered the wall and scrawled the words 'Come Back' over the top.
These developments have horrified admirers of Banksy, whose identity has never been convincingly established but whose works have fetched six-figure sums. Owners of his paintings include Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Jude Law.
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Cover-up: the wall now, painted over by workers and then by vandals
A friend of the artist said the Pulp Fiction image would could have fetched £300,000 if it had been bought in situ or relocated.
He added: "This piece was the most iconic of all Banksy's work. It's inexcusable that it's been ruined.
"Everyone could see it as they walked to Old Street Tube station - it was a famous piece. You wouldn't paint over a Van Gogh and nor should you paint over a Banksy."
Transport for London was unapologetic about its actions.
A spokesman said: "We take a tough line on removing graffiti because it creates a general atmosphere of neglect and social decay which in turn encourages crime.
"We have no intention of changing this policy. We recognise that there are those who view Banksy's work as legitimate art, but sadly our graffiti removal teams are staffed by professional cleaners not professional art critics."
