Impermanence of Street Art: Hendog’s Works Face Demolition in Winchester
In the heart of Winchester, the once bustling Friarsgate Medical Centre, which has remained unused since 2014, is nearing the end of its demolition. The site is being cleared to accommodate a pop-up park, marking the initial phase of the ambitious Central Winchester Regeneration project, colloquially known as the Silver Hill scheme.
Street Art’s Fleeting Existence
A significant thread in this demolition narrative is the presence of renowned street artist Hendog’s artwork on one of the property’s walls. The artwork, a depiction of popular Big Issue seller Kev Collick, has been a point of fascination throughout the demolition process. However, Winchester City Council has clarified that while the section of wall bearing the artwork is being preserved for now, the artwork itself is not slated for preservation.
Preservation or Practicality?
Despite speculation regarding the preservation of the artwork, the council’s stance is clear. The retained wall section is earmarked to potentially serve as a screen or seating area in the upcoming development phase, suggesting a focus on practicality over preservation of the art piece. The transient nature of street art seems to be mirrored in the fate of this piece.
Another Artwork in Jeopardy
A second Hendog artwork, a poignant depiction of a homeless teddy bear, graces a building on Chesil Street. This building, too, is set to face the wrecking ball as part of the Chesil Theatre’s expansion plans. The fate of this artwork remains as uncertain as its counterpart on the former Friarsgate Medical Centre, underscoring the impermanent nature of street art and its place in the changing urban landscape.