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Banksy’s Girl with Balloon print sells for £80,000 at auction
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Banksy’s Girl with Balloon print sells for £80,000 at auction

Press Association Banksy's Balloon Girl print. Pattern of a girl releasing a red heart-shaped balloon.Press Association

Early works such as Girl with Balloons were sold

A print of Banksy’s famous Girl with Balloon has sold at auction for over £80,000.

An original proof print of the iconic mural, first created in London in 2002, sold for twice the expected price at an auction in Los Angeles, USA.

The auction also sold some of Banksy’s earliest works, such as the original painting of Banksy’s famous Hooded Figure, for £60,496.

Darren Julien, co-founder and managing director of Julien’s Auctions, said the collection offered an “unprecedented look into his past and path” of Banksy.

In 2004, the pieces were offered to the public by Julien’s Auctions from the collection of Steve Lazarides, the artist’s longtime manager and photographer.

The original hand-cut stencil bearing Banksy’s name sold for £44,984, while an original pair of Puma ‘Turf War’ trainers worn by the Bristol-based artist also sold.

Press Association A pair of Puma trainers. They are brown and look worn.Press Association

Banksy’s shoes have “Turf War” embroidery on the heel

A series of sketches on manilla featuring concept designs for the reclusive artist’s Paparazzi Mouse template sold for £40,336.

The auction also included 15 user phones that Lazarides used to communicate with Banksy.

Mr Julien said: “Assembled by his closest associate and associate, Steve Lazarides, and lovingly preserved for over 25 years, this astonishing collection offers an unprecedented glimpse into the history and path of the man who would become the world’s most famous and visionary artist named Banksy. .

“Featuring many of Banksy’s earliest works, most recognizable pieces and personal belongings, this auction is a historic opportunity for the next sitter to acquire the most comprehensive and complete archive of Banksy’s legacy.”

There was also a separate edition of Balloon Girl last month. stolen From the Grove Gallery in London before being rescued by police.

“Banksy and I and a few other people started a company called Pictures On Walls and it was like we really wanted to make cheap, affordable art for the masses,” Lazarides said.

“For a very short time we made a difference, we made it easier for ordinary people to love art… It’s the proudest thing I’ve ever done. And I think it’s the most powerful thing he’s ever done.”