Bristol pub removes AI mural after backlash over Banksy error

A temporary AI-generated vinyl mural on the Jolly Colliers pub in Bedminster, Bristol, was removed after artists and community members condemned its distorted landmarks and apparent misreading of a well-known Banksy work. The large image had covered one side of the pub on West Street, featuring hot-air balloons, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower and the SS Great Britain. Critics said Cabot Tower was inaccurately rendered and that the ship looked more like a tugboat. Bristol24/7 reported the objections. Criticism centred on its version of Banksy’s The Mild Mild West. The original wall painting in Stokes Croft shows a white teddy bear charging towards three riot police officers with an arm raised and a burning Molotov cocktail. The pub image instead appeared to show a one-legged figure pointing. The Bristol Mural Collective said the choice of AI artwork had overlooked the city’s working artists. Caroline Maggs said such designs “not only devalue but undermine the work of artists”, adding that the collective was “saddened and angered” that handmade work had not been commissioned. She said leaving the wall blank would have been preferable and offered to discuss commissioning a collective artist to rectify the problem. An unsigned letter placed beneath the mural described it as “a disrespectful affront to this city” before it was removed. The letter argued that producing an AI image in vinyl and fixing it to the building harmed artists’ livelihoods and diluted the visual culture it sought to emulate. Other local artists also objected to the work. Emily Tuffen called it “a slap in the face” to Bristol, while Nina Raines described it as “visually naff” and said artists would have been willing to make a temporary mural if asked. Ollie Gilliard, who works as Gage Graphic, said the shiny vinyl and clichéd computer graphics could not match the human-made murals nearby. Punch Pubs & Co said the installation was a temporary solution because the external wall required minor works, making a permanent mural difficult at the time. The company said it would work with local artists and the community on a permanent replacement more in keeping with the area. The mural was taken down by Sept. 24, after the criticism from artists and community members. Punch said it had nothing to add to its earlier statement about replacing the temporary work in collaboration with local artists.