2 - BANKSY (British Street Artist, born 1974)

BANKSY (British Street Artist, born 1974) "Bowler Hat Rat" (Brighton, UK, 2003). Stencil and spray paint on a piece of concrete. 17 cm x 21 cm. (6.69 by 8.26 inch.) CONDITION Excellent, original condition The artwork is framed and ready for exhibition (Please refer to department for a Condition Report) PROVENANCE – From the collection of Harvey Haddock. Harvey Haddock was Banksy’s assistant and helper between ca. 1998 and 2006. – Only 6 Artworks created by Banksy with this stencil have survived so far (see below). – For an identical Artwork, see: ‘Lock Pick Rat’, Brighton, United Kingdom, 2003 (Cat. Raisonné of Banksy’s Street Art, No. 741) NOTES – ​Banksy visited Brighton on numerous occasions, often staying with his friend Harvey Haddock, who previously owned an extensive collection of the artist's street works. During these visits, Banksy would take to the streets at night to spray his iconic "Rats" on various walls and fences. Most of these pieces disappeared within days or weeks, scrubbed away by council workers or property owners. Over the years, others were lost to demolition or the elements. Very few have survived to this day, and this "Bowler Hat Rat" stands as one of the finest remaining examples of its kind. PUBLICATIONS – Richard Hessink: “Catalogue Raisonné of Banksy’s Street Art”, (2nd edition, part one, 2024), No. 743e.