Who repaired the vandalized orangutan mural at Hearsall Common?

The original artist, Michael Batchelor, secretly flew back from the US to repair the mural.

Why was the mural at Hearsall Common created?

The mural was created in 2021 to honor Dylan, a young boy who died in 2023 at the age of four.

When was the orangutan mural vandalized and repaired?

The mural was vandalized in November and was restored shortly after, in time for Christmas.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Artist Flies Back to USA to Repair Vandalized Mural

Artist Flies Back to USA to Repair Vandalized Mural

23 Dec, 2025

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Summary

An artist secretly returned from the US to repair a mural.
The artwork honored a young boy named Dylan who passed away.
The mural was vandalized in November but is now restored.

Artist Flies Back to USA to Repair Vandalized Mural

A Coventry artist undertook a secret journey back from the United States to restore a mural at Hearsall Common, Earlsdon, which had been subjected to vandalism. This artwork, featuring two orangutans, was originally created in 2021 as a tribute to Dylan, a local boy who passed away in 2023 at the age of four after battling a rare genetic disorder. The mural was defaced in November, prompting the artist's discreet return to fix the damage.

Dylan's grandfather, Martin Prue, expressed his delight at the surprise restoration, stating that everyone was pleased to see the artwork returned to its former glory. He noted that while the part representing Dylan remained untouched, the main body of the mural suffered significant defacement. The family had only learned about the damage indirectly. This commissioned piece had previously brought smiles to many faces since its completion during the Covid pandemic.