Banksy works sold off by his agent at auction rakes in a fortune as some items go for double the expected price
A print of Banksys famous Girl with a Balloon artwork has been sold for more than 100,000 dollars at an American auction.
A print of Banksys famous Girl with a Balloon artwork has been sold for more than 100,000 dollars at an American auction.
The original proof print by the British street artist raked in $104,000, around £80,652, twice the expected price at a Los Angeles auction.
All of the pieces were offered to the public by Juliens Auctions from the astonishing collection of the artists agent and photographer Steve Lazarides.
The original Hooded Figure painting previously sold for $78,000, equivalent to £60,496.
An original proof print by the British street artist raked in $104,000, around £80,652, twice the expected price at a Los Angeles auction
As part of the auction, were also 15 burner phones used by Lazarides to contact Banksy
Steve Lazarides worked with the discreet street artist from 1997 to 2008 after the fellow Bristolians met in the late 1990s and discovered they shared a mutual love for graffiti and innovative street art
Other items from the artist included an original hand-cut stencil of Banksys name which sold for $58,000 dollars or £44,984 while a series of sketches by the reclusive artist on a manilla featuring concept designs for his Paparazzi Rat stencil went for $52,000 or £40,336.
As part of the auction, were also 15 burner phones used by Lazarides to contact Banksy, an original brand of Puma Turf War sneakers worn by the Bristol artist and original proof prints of many of his other works.
Darren Julien, co-founder and executive director of Juliens Auctions, said: This astonishing collection assembled and lovingly kept for over 25 years by his closest associate and partner, Steve Lazarides, offers an unprecedented look at the history and path of the man that would become the worlds most famous and visionary artist named Banksy.
This auction featuring many of Banksys earliest works, most recognizable pieces and personal effects is a historic opportunity for the next caretaker to own the most comprehensive and definitive archive of Banksys legacy.
Banksys £10 note with Princess Dianas face on it could fetch up to £1,500 under the hammer
Other items also included an original brand of Puma Turf War sneakers worn by the Bristol artist
Last month, a separate print of Girl With Balloon was also stolen from Grove Gallery in London, before being recovered by police.
Banksy, myself, and a couple of others set up a company called Pictures On Walls and like we really wanted to make cheap affordable art for the masses, Lazarides said.
For a very short moment in time, we made a difference, we made it OK for ordinary people to like art... Its by far the proudest thing Ive done.
And by far the most powerful thing I think hes done.
