A perspex screen used to protect a new Banksy in Birmingham has itself been put up for auction, after it was .
The screen was placed over the Banksy, created in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter last Thursday, by the wall’s owners Network Rail, when people started spraying on it.
Then another artist defaced the perspex screen, so it was taken away and replaced.
Now that screen is going to be auctioned off for charity, to raise money for an organisation called the Midland Langar Seva Society.
Banksy revealed an Instagram post last week showing a new artwork of two reindeer pulling a bench, to highlight the plight of the homeless in society, and that sparked worldwide interest in the piece.
The vandalised perspex was taken into the care of the Jewellery Quarter BID, who decided to auction it off for the charity through Fellows Auctioneers.
“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,” said Luke Crane, the boss of the Jewellery Quarter BID.
“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,” he added.
Network Rail said it was happy to help.
“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,” said Simon Evans, Network Rail spokesperson.
“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. It began on Thursday, and will run until Friday, December 20.
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.
“We are delighted to be able to auction a piece of art history,” said Stephen Whittaker, the managing director of Fellows Auctioneers.
“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,” he added.
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