Graffiti by Sex Pistols 'historically significant'

London, Nov 22 (ANI): Graffiti discovered in the flat, where The Sex Pistols resided in 1970s, should be given the same archaeological respect as given to prehistoric cave paintings, archaeologists have claimed.

Researchers conducted a detailed analysis of the graffiti's content and cultural significance and concluded that while it could be considered rude, offensive and uncomfortable, its presence confirms the flat as an important historical and archaeological site.

It was even suggested that the intact Pistols graffiti - found behind cupboards in the property in Denmark Street, central London - may be of greater significance than the discovery of early Beatles recordings and is 'a direct and powerful representation of a radical and dramatic movement of rebellion'.

The drawings lie in the upper room of a two-storey 19th century property now used as offices in the famous street known in the 60s as Tin Pan Alley.

The majority of them are by John Lydon, or Johnny Rotten, and comprises eight cartoons depicting himself and other members of the band, as well as their manager, Malcom McLaren, and other Pistols' associates.

Researchers are contemplating whether or not the property should become a conventional heritage site with a blue plaque to mark its historical significance.

"So could Denmark Street be Punk's Lascaux?" the Telegraph quoted Dr John Schofield, of the Department of Archaeology at the University of York as saying.

"The tabloid press once claimed that early Beatles recordings discovered at the BBC were the most important archaeological find since Tutankhamun's tomb."

"The Sex Pistols' graffiti in Denmark Street surely ranks alongside this and - to our minds - usurps it."

He described the site as 'anti-heritage' as it goes against what agencies and heritage organisations usually wish to preserve.

"We feel justified in sticking our tongues out at the heritage establishment and suggesting that punk's iconoclasm provides the context for conservation decision-making."

"Our call is for something that directly follows punk's attitude to the mainstream, to authority; contradicting norms and challenging convention."

"This is an important site, historically and archaeologically, for the material and evidence it contains. But should we retain it for the benefit of this and future generations?" he added.

The findings have been published in the latest issue of the journal Antiquity. (ANI)