Background Bob was an art project from Noah Jones, a young disabled artist from Essex who inspired thousands of people around the world during lockdown and beyond.

Noah painted colourful, abstract backgrounds with his dad, Nathan. Artists everywhere — including some of the biggest names in street art — added their own characters and creations on top. It grew into a global collaboration of over 750 artists.

Together, the project:

• Raised more than £250,000 for the hospital that cared for Noah

• Led to major exhibitions, including at Firstsite in Colchester

• Formed a worldwide community of artists and supporters

• Became a beacon of creativity during a brutal time for everyone

Noah sadly passed away in November 2023.
His Instagram page was the heart of the project — the place where it lived, grew, and connected people. It holds years of:

• Artworks

• Collaborations

• Conversations

• Milestones

• Memories of a kid who changed lives through art

And now it’s gone.

Meta removed the @background_bob Instagram account without explanation.
That decision erases Noah’s legacy and the global story he built.

We’re asking Meta to restore the account — because this isn’t just social media.
It’s a child’s legacy, a community’s history, and a cultural archive that deserves to exist.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Choose any of the actions below. Every single one adds pressure and visibility.

1️⃣ Share this story
Post about Background Bob on your socials. Tell people why the account matters.
Link them here so they understand the legacy that’s being lost.

2️⃣ Tag Meta publicly
Ask them to restore the @background_bob account.
Tag: @instagram, @meta, @instagramcomms

3️⃣ Use the campaign hashtag
#BringBackBackgroundBob
Keep the message unified so it spreads further and faster.

4️⃣ Submit an official appeal
Report the issue via Instagram’s “Help / Report a Problem” option.
Thousands of appeals are harder to dismiss than one.

5️⃣ Repost Noah’s story
Share any images or memories you have of Background Bob.
Show what the profile meant to you.

6️⃣ Ask artists to speak up
If you know anyone who contributed to the project — give them a nudge.
One loud voice helps. Hundreds make noise.

7️⃣ Contact press & organisations
Art magazines, disability advocates, charity organisations.
Tell them what happened. Help the story move beyond social media.

8️⃣ Comment on Meta’s posts
Whenever Instagram or Meta post publicly, reply with the hashtag and a short request to restore the account. They read what hurts their brand.

🔟 Keep it going
Not just once. Not just today.
A campaign wins when the noise doesn’t stop.

WHY THIS MATTERS

This is about protecting the legacy of a disabled child whose creativity raised hundreds of thousands for charity and sparked a worldwide community of artists.

Help us make sure Noah’s story continues to be seen and remembered.