Our ref: FOI-2875-2425

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 06 December 2024.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. 

I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. You asked:

Around 7th August 2024 Banksy stencilled 3 Monkeys on a bridge carrying the Overground line (now known as the Windrush Line) over Brick Lane. That stencil was then covered in Perspex sheets. Was that a TfL Overground action?  

TfL installed a Perspex screen until a decision could be made on how best to address it.

Around 4th December the three monkeys stencil was cleaned off the bridge by contractors, why was that artwork removed?  

There are rules in place around graffiti or unauthorised art on the TfL network. Sometimes graffiti or unauthorised art can attract more graffiti, which encourages trespassing and anti-social activity that poses a danger to the operational railway and customers. This piece therefore had to be removed to prevent possible disruption.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Tahsin Prima

FOI Case Officer

General Counsel

Transport for London