Graffiti
One of the more objectionable forms of self expression, Graffiti has had a good press and the most unfortunate effect on our environmrnt where every person with the delusion of being artistic and who can afford a spray can, repeats the same mannered marks over the walls of the town. Only when the design changes or the image is accompanied by a meaningful text is the activity to be sanctioned. My favourite was the simple phrase outside Finchley Road on the Metropolitan Line, SMILE IF YOU'RE GAY. And wondrous were the efforts to keep a straight face in the carriage.
 


From Gustave Dore, Two Hundred Sketches Humorous and Grotesque, Warne, London, undated c1885, the drawing c1850
 

...a sentiment to which I am glad to subscribe;
from James Puckle, The Club, or a Dialogue between Father and Son, printed for the author 1813.

 

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