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Criticised AI mural of city on pub wall removed

Leigh BoobyerBristol
A spokesperson for Punch Pubs & Co, which owns the pub, said the AI mural had only been a "temporary solution"

A controversial mural which was generated by AI and plastered on the wall of a city pub has been removed.

The vinyl sticker, which was put on the side of the Jolly Colliers pub in Bedminster, Bristol, on Wednesday featured iconic symbols of the city such as hot air balloons and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

The mural, which was located in the part of the city that hosts Europe's largest street art festival Upfest, was removed earlier.

A spokesperson for Punch Pubs & Co, which owns the pub, said it had nothing to add to a previous statement in which it said the mural was a "temporary solution" which they were working with local artists to replace.

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Before the removal, a letter from an unnamed member of the community was found taped to the building in which the mural was described as a "disrespectful affront" to a city full of creatives.

It accused the owners of "laziness".

Artists had told the BBC it was a "careless and rushed" piece.

News imageThe AI mural is pictured on the side of a white brick pub in Bedminster. The building is situated next to the road on a corner, with large Biffa bins outside. The mural shows a cityscape of Bristol, featuring iconic cultural elements including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, hot air balloons and Banksy art.
The mural was criticised by artists and members of the community

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