Two men have been charged with burglary over the theft of an artwork by elusive street artist Banksy. The stolen piece, ‘Girl with Balloon’, was taken in a smash-and-grab raid on a London gallery. The suspects, Larry Fraser, 47, and James Love, 53, appeared in court and were ordered detained until their next hearing in October.
Surveillance footage showed a masked man breaking into the gallery and taking the picture from a wall. The stolen work, valued at £270,000, is one of several versions of ‘Girl with Balloon’, a stencilled image of a child reaching for a heart-shaped red balloon.
Banksy’s work has gained international fame for its satirical and thought-provoking images. One version of ‘Girl with Balloon’ famously self-destructed at an auction in 2018, increasing its value and selling for millions in subsequent years.
Gallery manager Lindor Mehmetaj expressed relief at the recovery of the stolen artwork, noting that such incidents often increase the value of the piece. Banksy, known for his mysterious identity and provocative art, has become one of the world’s most renowned artists, with his paintings and installations selling for millions and attracting both admirers and criminal activity.
This recent theft highlights the ongoing intrigue and controversy surrounding Banksy’s work, as well as the high stakes involved in the art world. The case serves as a reminder of the ever-present challenges faced by artists, galleries, and collectors in protecting valuable and culturally significant pieces.
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Photo credit www.euronews.com
