One of the most famous artists alive today is the street artist known as Banksy. Based in Britain, he has nevertheless achieved worldwide fame. His most valuable shredded work of art sold for £18.6 million. I was lucky enough to see the original 'Game Changer' when it was on display at Southampton's General Hospital – I accompanied my daughter during the COVID pandemic for an operation, and she was very nervous, but seeing the painting was a welcome distraction for her, and it has since raised £16.8 million for NHS charities.

More recently in August 2024 Banksy excited Londoners with a week-long series of animal-themed street art painted across the city, many of the artwork being very transitory in nature as the art was often soon vandalised, defaced or destroyed. On 11 August, 2024 he confirmed that he had transformed a Police Sentry Box¹ on Ludgate Hill into an artwork depicting an aquarium of piranhas. In order to keep this important pillar of the cultural community safe, it has since been moved to Guildhall Square, outside an art gallery. I popped by to visit it when in London a few days later.

Bluebottle

16.09.24 Front Page

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