Thanet council says the chest freezer removed from the Banksy artwork in Margate this morning (February 14) will be returned once it has been “made safe.”
The ‘Valentine’s Day Mascara’ artwork, commenting on domestic violence, appeared yesterday morning (February 13) and was confirmed as a Banksy original on the artist’s Instagram today.
It featured a 50’s style housewife, who has a swollen eye and missing tooth, pushing the man inside the freezer with just his legs visible, with a turned up chair and beer bottle on the ground nearby.
However, council workers removed the freezer today, breaking the illusion of the artwork. The authority has now released a statement saying the freezer will be returned and talks are due to take place to discuss how to preserve the artwork.
A Thanet council spokesperson said: “We are aware that the graffiti artist known as Banksy has confirmed that the mural that has appeared recently in Margate is his.
“The graffiti is situated on a wall of a privately owned property. 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.
“The fridge freezer is now in storage and will be returned once it has been made safe to the public. We will be contacting the owner of the property to discuss the options to preserve the artwork for the district.”
Banksy’s stencils feature striking and, often darkly humorous, images occasionally combined with slogans. The message is usually anti-war, anti-capitalist or anti-establishment. The arts are worth huge sums of money.
Some residents have questioned the speed with which the freezer was removed, pointing out piles of rubbish and fly-tipped items are visible across the town.
Resident Davide Restifo said: “The council saying it was removed for safety reason is a bit short sided, considering that there is a side road next to the Banksy with a pile of rubbish and wood full of nails.”
Don’t suffer in silence – get help
Find help information from Oasis Domestic Abuse service at http://www.oasisdaservice.org/get-help-now and click the ‘exit now’ button to erase all traces from your Internet history.
Call Kent Domestic Abuse Services Victim Support on 0808 168 9276
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is run by Refuge and offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day to victims and those who are worried about friends and loved ones. Telephone: 0808 2000 247
The Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them.
Call 0808 801 0327.
Margate wall painting confirmed as piece by street artist Banksy
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