"Graffiti Painter", Banksy's mural hidden by the scaffolding, is once again visible after a year of renovations.
It had been hiding for over a year in the heart of Notting Hill, "Graffiti Painter“, Also known as“ The Painter ”or“ Velazquez ”, one of Banksy's oldest murals, designed in 2008 on the corner of Acklam and Portobello Road. They had it coperated to create luxury apartments and they intended to move it, but luckily they changed their minds, considering the operation too risky.
The work depicts a writer of the past, inspired by the painter Diego Velázquez with an easel, palette and brush in hand, intent on painting Banksy's name in red.
The decision stems from the awareness that Banksy, in addition to being famous, has now become a real London icon. In this regard, the Deputy Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, Walaa Idris, said:
"As Banksy becomes more and more famous in the art world, it is a pleasure to have one of his most iconic works here on the famous Portobello Road."
An original #Banksy has been preserved and framed on a development on Portobello Road.
Deputy Mayor, @WalaaIdris said “As Banksy becomes increasingly renowned in the art world, it’s a pleasure to have one of his most iconic works here on the world famous Portobello Road." pic.twitter.com/xJd1DCsZ2n
— Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (@RBKC) November 4, 2019
On the other hand Simon Lyons, founder and CEO of Enstar Capital, who bought the building, told Reuters:
“One of the reasons I bought the building was that there was a Banksy there, which gave it that iconic profile. So while I think the prices for Banksy are nonsense, I could tell I'm a fan of him in some way. "
(Image: TM Media PR)
Lyons, however, specifies that in the house where he probably lives a work by Banksy, made in person by the artist, he would not want it!
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Laura Rose
Photo Credit: Twitter and MyLondon
