Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Perspex screen covering Banksy’s newest artwork is set to be auctioned at Fellows in Birmingham, with proceeds going to charity. The plastic-covered the stunning design of two reindeers pulling a bench, raising awareness for homelessness. The artwork was created in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter on Thursday 5th December. The screen was then placed over Banksy’s masterpiece following the vandalism of it by another graffiti artist. The screen will form a one-lot timed-auction, with proceeds going to Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS), a brilliant organisation set up to help those in need across the UK. The timed-auction will end on Friday 20th December, and it can be viewed here from 4 pm on Thursday 12th December.

Banksy released an Instagram post earlier in the week, which has since had three million views, revealing his artwork and highlighting the severe homeless problem in the UK. The reveal led to international coverage, unfortunately resulting in fellow graffiti artists vandalising the piece. Network Rail took the decision to place a protective Perspex screen over the piece, preventing it from being ruined. Unfortunately, another graffiti artist defaced the protective screen, which was then kept by the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District, to then be auctioned at Fellows Auctioneers.

Luke Crane, Executive Director from the JQBID, said:

This piece of art by Banksy is an early Christmas gift – but brings with it a very strong message – a timely reminder that we are facing a nationwide homelessness crisis and we must not forget those in need, especially over the Christmas period. By taking inspiration from the artwork, we have an opportunity here to put the Jewellery Quarter firmly on the map, as the leading light in ending the homelessness crisis that is blighting our inner cities. Money raised through the auctioning of the original Perspex that protected the Banksy mural, will be donated to Midland Langar Seva Society.

Simon Evans, head of communications – North West & Central, Network Rail, said:

We’re pleased to be able to sell this item, along with the story that goes with it, to raise money to help homeless people. Life is strange sometimes. Ordinarily a piece of Perspex is no big deal. But a piece of Perspex that has protected a Banksy – that is a big deal.

The auction will be live on Fellows Auctioneers’ website for eight days, running from Thursday 12th December to Friday 20th December. The Perspex screen still has paint marks from being vandalised, and is being auctioned alongside the bolts used to place it on Banksy’s artwork. Bids can be placed on the screen at any time. Fellows Auctioneers, who hold weekly auctions in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, and are thrilled to be auctioning the artwork and to play a small part in helping such a great cause.

Stephen Whittaker, Managing Director of Fellows Auctioneers, said:

We are delighted to be able to auction a piece of art history. We will be offering our services for free, and all proceeds raised from this auction will be going to charity. It is always a pleasure for Fellows to help such important causes as much as possible. The amazing reveal in the Jewellery Quarter this week was a fantastic surprise and it was great that Banksy decided to highlight homelessness here in the Jewellery Quarter. I am sure the auction of the Perspex screen will be popular amongst auction lovers and we can’t wait to see the bids coming in.

To find out more and donate to Midland Langar Seva Society, click this link.

Share this