‘Artwork’ not a worthy winner

Dear Editor,
I was dismayed to read the article in the IW Observer last week (Feb 26) about a graffiti artist winning the steam railway exhibition competition.
Graffiti is vandalism of other people’s property. Whatever its supporters say regarding personal expression, it is a social blight. Would you prefer to live in a graffitied environment that engenders feeling of neglect and threat? Well, that becomes more likely when it is given the cloak of respectability by calling it ‘ART’.
I was amazed that the IW Railway has involved itself in this “project”, being the custodian of a wonderful collection of vintage rolling stock and buildings. Each one is a potential canvas in the eyes of some.
Ask Island Line…
Paul Bradley, Brighstone