Due to weather, theft, or demolition, mural art is vulnerable to many potential risks.
This ensures that their legacy remains long after they may fade from view.
The program began in January 2024 and includes many different types of street art.
“Owl” by Curtis Hylton, 2022, Royal Mews, Southend, Essex (Photo: Tracy Jenkins, courtesy of Art UK, © the artist)
Once the street art has been added to the online database, its record will be continuously updated.
This means anyone can discover if the work has been removed or defaced.
It is also another sign of the increased acceptance of street art in thecontemporary artworld.
“Battle of Cable Street” by Desmond Rochfort, Dave Binnington, Paul Butler, and more, 1976–1983, St George’s Park, Cable Street, Tower Hamlets (Photo: Anthony McIntosh / Art UK, © the artist)
Banksy, of course, ispresent in the database, along with a mix of established and lesser-known muralists.
You cantake a peekat what’s been digitized already and keep checking back as more is added.
Art UK is embarking on a three-year project to digitize the country’s street art.
“Saint Enoch and Child” by Smug, 2018, George Street / High Street, Glasgow (Photo: Gordon Baird / Art UK, © the artist)
“Viking Longboat Mural” by Phelgm, 2022, Shore Road, Peel, Isle of Man (Photo: Patricia Tutt, © the artist)
“Endangered Dreams Mural” by Artur Bordalo, 1998, Aberdeen (Photo: Andy Hayes / Art UK, © the artist)
“Market People” byHelen Bur, 2021, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex (Photo: Tracy Jenkins / Art UK, © the artist)
