Banksy’s Goat removed to ensure its “protection” during building works

In August 2024 residents of Kew where delighted to find a Banksy artwork on the side of a building on Kew Green by Kew Bridge, as we reported at the time.  The elusive artist’s signature stencil-styled piece, which showed a goat perched on a ledge as rocks fall, has been much admired and photographed since.

 

 

However, 6 months later, many residents have taken to social media to express their dismay that the artwork has been removed.  Contractors were discovered taking down a section of the wall at 110 Kew Green on Thursday Feb 6th. One of our members took these photographs.

 

 

 

At the time of writing it is not clear who the contractors are working for. The building is occupied by London’s oldest maker of exclusive handcrafted guns, Boss & Co.

When contacted by the Kew Society they told us to talk to the company overseeing the work, The Fine Art Restoration Company; a high-end UK based art conservator with a list of glizty clients.

They told us that it was being removed to “ensure its protection” because of “long planned” structural work to the building and roof.

Their spokesperson said that the owners “appreciate the community’s interest in and affection for the artwork” but wouldn’t confirm who the owners were.

A search of H.M. Land Registry shows that the freehold of the building is owned by a company called Senesco Ltd., based in Mauritius and that it acquired the freehold in October 2015. This company is referred to as “the client” in Richmond Council’s planning documents.

It is likely that Senesco will be the ultimate owner of the artwork, which was painted on the wall of its building.

Companies House lists Arthur (Stephen) DeMoulas as the beneficial owner. He lives in the US and took over at the gunmakers 1 month after Senesco purchased the freehold of the building.

According to Forbes magazine, the DeMoulas family is one of the richest in America, and controls the Market Basket chain of Supermarkets.

What is certain though is that the planning permission for the current work was indeed applied for some time ago. Richmond Council’s website shows that permission for the work was granted in the autumn of 2021. The building is considered to be of “townscape merit” and is next to the Grade II listed Kew Bridge and other Grade II properties.

The scheme proposes providing a roof extension to the front corner building and the southern part of the workshop and a single storey extension in the narrow yard to the rear.

The planning application and decision can be viewed here

Senesco says the additional space is required to accommodate the growing business needs of the occupant – Boss & Co. The documents state that since 2015 the gunmakers have run an apprenticeship to help teach the specialist skills which are described as part of which London’s industrial heritage.

As to whether Banky’s Goat will ever be seen again in Kew, the statement from the Fine Art Restoration Company is non commital. It says ” the owners will explore options for its future display so that it can continue to be appreciated” .

It  goes on ” the owners thank the community for their understanding and support as these essential works take place and remain committed to respecting the cultural significance of the artwork”.

The full text of the statement can be viewed here

The Kew Society is monitoring the progress of the building works and has notified Banksy of the situation via his Instagram account. So far he hasn’t commented.

Progress of the renovation work at Caxton House
Sat 22 Feb 2025 (copyright Kew Society)

Given the amount of comment and speculation on social media, we thought it would be helpful to set out the facts that we have been able to gather.

We continue to be in contact with the contractors and have made our concerns clear on behalf of our members and our desire to see it on public display again here.

We will update you when we have more information on the future of what had become a significant and much loved feature of Kew.

If you’d like to support our efforts, please consider becoming a member