In 2004, the elusive graffiti artist and celebrated mockumentarian Banksy created a now-iconic work of art on an outside wall of the Prince Albert pub in Brighton, England. The piece, dubbed “Gay Bobbies,” features two policeman locked in an embrace – and now promises to fetch nearly £1million when it goes up for auction in the U.S.
Prince Albert landlord Chris Steward is selling the piece after repeated attacks and vandalism threatened to destroy Banksy’s work. “Gay Bobbies” will be sold through a New York gallery – and the high price of past works, such as “Heavy Weaponry,” which sold for £82,250 and the top-selling piece “Keep It Spotless” which went for £1.13million, has led to great expectations on Steward’s part for a handsome profit.
Banksy’s work is popular with celebrities like Christina Aguilera and Angelina Jolie, both of whom have purchased pieces by the graffiti artist and helped cement his fame.
Steward explains that the proceeds from the painting will go back into supporting the pub: “When he put it on the pub it belonged to the pub and, if it is sold, all the money will go back to the pub…it is very difficult to just keep the pub going, so a little break from that would be very welcome.”
Other Brighton residents, however, protest the sale of the gay policeman image that has adorned the wall of their local pub for years. “What he does on the street should stay on the street. It is part of Brighton’s culture, like an outside gallery, and now that is lost,” said Brighton art gallery director Lindsay Alkin.
