The Art Newspaper

COLLARGE, UK, BOURNEMOUTH

I remember seeing these adds when we were there in 2009, we just moved on as it wasn't very photogenic in that spot with those screens in the background. I found Rialto Bridge more irritating with lots of banners hanging from it, constantly trying to avoid them when taking a pic. I did love our trip and the 5 days we spent were fantastic, but having seen Rialto Bridge and then had a Italian meal served by an indian which was run by indians right next to Rialto, the whole authentic bit wore off fairly quickly, which really is unnecessary as the amount of money invested in this place keeping it original far out ways these tacky little efforts.

SEDEF PIKER, FREEHOLD, NJ

I hope the fast food chains will be next. I was devastated when I saw one right across from the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

MARTHA WEHRENBERG, VALPARAISO IN

Perhaps once again my family and I will be able to once again visit this stunning city. We have boycotted Venice since the ads have ruined its beuaty.

EDWARD HARKINS, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND, UK

I hope I’ll be able to rescind my post last October: This summer we went on a day trip to Venice. My wife had longed to visit it. I also wanted to see the original Doge’s Palace – because industrial philanthropists of Victorian Glasgow had built a replica edifice in Glasgow that stands to this day. Imagine our horror, approaching Venice in much anticipation over the lagoon to find a quarter or so of the Doge’s draped from pavement to roof-top and around the gable, in hoardings advertising ‘Italy Toy Watches’! The example of the vandalism to the Rialto Bridge shown here says more. Corporate stupidity, arrogance, vandalism and despoliation come to mind. Some corporate suites need to join one of the visiting tourist parties and learn of the deeply negative publicity generated for their companies by these acts of cultural philistinism. To the mayor of Venice - we and our friends won’t be back to this kind of Venice. To see the Doge’s in some of its replicated glory – come to Glasgow!

JOHN WILLENBECHER, NEW YORK CITY

The solution is clear: let Bulgari and all the rest give the money and have their 'ads' -- but make them a simple text, classic and restrained. Just say in tastefully designed letters in the middle of a blank field: Restoration funded by Bulgari Inc. Basta cosi. It's the garishness that offends, not the idea that someone is getting credit for doing a public service.

NEERY MELKONIAN, NEW YORK CITY

Fantastic, bravo! May other cities throughout the world follow the example!