Digimaus Posted November 30 Posted November 30 A piece of street art history is set to go under the hammer as a Grade II-listed Georgian building in Bristol, England, featuring Banksy’s iconic mural Well Hung Lover, prepares for auction. The sale, orchestrated by British estate agency Hollis Morgan, has drawn considerable interest from art lovers and property developers alike. The mural, painted in 2006, is one of Banksy’s most recognizable works and has become a cornerstone of Bristol’s vibrant street art scene. Depicting a naked man precariously hanging from a windowsill while a suited figure peers from the window and a lingerie-clad woman stands beside him, the provocative image continues to attract thousands of visitors. Intriguingly, Banksy later revealed he was unaware that the wall belonged to a sexual health clinic at the time of painting, adding an ironic twist to the artwork’s legacy. The five-story property includes a basement nightclub and vacant upper floors, offering the potential for redevelopment into residential apartments. However, the future owner must adhere to a restrictive covenant to preserve the mural. This stipulation, set by Bristol City Council, ensures the artwork remains intact and visible, reinforcing the city’s growing embrace of street art as a cultural asset. Notably, the new owner will not be required to insure or maintain the artwork, reducing some of the burdens typically associated with such high-profile pieces. This sale marks a pivotal moment for Well Hung Lover, a piece that has become synonymous with Bristol’s urban identity. The mural’s journey from unauthorized graffiti to a protected cultural landmark reflects the broader evolution of street art’s relationship with property and heritage. What began as an act of artistic rebellion has evolved into a celebrated cultural treasure, attracting a steady stream of admirers to this vibrant corner of Bristol and significantly enhancing the property’s value. It’s a fascinating crossroads of art and investment. The building, set for a live-streamed auction on February 12, 2025, carries a guide price of £700,000 ($887,000). What do you think? If you had the chance, would you take the leap and buy a building just to own a piece of Banksy history? https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/nov/27/banksy-well-hung-lover-to-be-sold-with-bristol-building-it-is-painted-on https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/28/style/banksy-well-hung-lover-auction-intl-scli/index.html https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/banksy-bristol-well-hung-lover-b2654577.html Image: David Murray | Dreamstime.com Quote
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