Art
Banksy Margate Valentine’s Day artwork has piece removed within hours
A Banksy artwork that appeared in Margate has been dismantled by the local council hours after the elusive artist claimed the piece as his.
The mural shows a 1950s housewife with a swollen eye and missing tooth, apparently shutting a man in a freezer.
The piece – called “Valentine’s day mascara” by Banksy – had also incorporated a broken freezer and other items, which were all later removed.
The freezer will return “once it has been made safe”, the council said.
A statement from Thanet District Council added: “A fridge freezer which is believed to have been part of the installation has been removed by council operatives on the grounds of safety as it was on public land.”
Banksy published a picture of the work on his Instagram page on Valentine’s Day morning, and many of the comments suggest he is referencing fighting violence against women.
The artist also posted pictures showing a close-up of the woman’s smiling, but seemingly battered face.
The artwork also featured a variety of rubbish on the ground, including a broken white garden chair, a blue crate and an empty beer bottle.
Watch: People seen taking away Banksy artwork freezer
The resident of the property where the painting was created, who asked not to be named, said the freezer and other items had been removed “very quickly” and put into a truck at midday on Tuesday.
Discussing how she felt about the removal, the tenant said: “I’m absolutely upset because it’s not really nice. It was part of the art, they should be very happy because Margate could get bigger attention, positive attention.
“Why did they move those parts? It’s just silly.”
Referring to the council, she added: “Earlier, no-one was interested if the rubbish was on the street. I mean, they were, but not that quickly.
“Even if you report something to them about taking the rubbish, they are acting one or two weeks later, not immediately.”
Many local Margate residents commented on the removal of the freezer on social media, with some accusing the council of spoiling the artwork.
Among them was Richard Llewellyn, who said: “The alley, a public footpath that leads almost to where the Banksy art piece is, has been like this for weeks and weeks. It’s shocking what is in the pile.
“Yet the council can arrive as quick as anything to remove part of the artwork 200 metres away. Someone’s priorities a little wrong me thinks.”
Another comment said: “Probably been there for months….only became a health and safety issue once it became a piece of art.”
The council said the fridge freezer “is now in storage and will be returned once it has been made safe to the public”.
The statement added: “We will be contacting the owner of the property to discuss the options to preserve the artwork for the district.”
Banksy has previously created artwork for Valentines Day, including a piece which appeared three years ago in Bristol, the reputed home city of the artist.
In December, Banksy created 50 screenprints which are to be sold to raise funds for a charity supporting the people of Ukraine.
The anonymous graffiti artist previously confirmed he had spent time in Ukraine after posting a video of an artist spray-painting designs in the war-torn country and speaking to locals.
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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