How to remove splashback

[iproe]

Hey there,

I have this AWFUL looking grey splashback panel in my kitchen sink area (circled blue), and whilst I'm doing some renovations to improve the appearing of my entire kitchen, I realised THIS HAS GOT TO GO. Plan is to expose the bricks, and put some rustic solid wood plank shelves there for plants and decorative kitchen items.

What I am 98% sure of, is that there's more lovely exposed brick underneath it (I hope so anyway, but why on EARTH did the previous owners think this was a good idea to cover up in the first place?). I also know there is no wires or electrics as that side of the sink area is completely plug-free. What I'm not sure of, is how they've stuck it on, and IF, when I rip this off, it will just be a gluey, smeary, disgusting mess that will leave the breaks beneath unsalvagable?

Does anyone have any thoughts as to how this gross thing is stuck on? Note: the black stuff you can see running up the size is a sort of squishy black sealant type stuff, if that helps solve this mystery in any way.

Looking forward to hearing your responses.

 

[johnny2007]

Crowbar.
If you can't see any screws, some bodgers must've glued it.
It will be destroyed in the process of removing and your next problem will be to clean the bricks somehow.

 

[JohnD]

If you can't see any screws, some bodgers must've glued it.

It could have been done with keyhole plates. Will it push upwards?

Or screws concealed under the front fittings.

Poke a thin flat implement under from the edge.

 

[foxhole]

Looks like IKEA type modular shelf unit , doubt it will take much to remove it . Are those not bolts on the front?