If you are an art investor or enthusiast, chances are you have tried to find a Banksy art dealer in London at some point. Here, we will provide you with some tips on how to achieve this.
Banksy is one of the most famous, elusive and mysterious street artists in the world. His artwork is often political and satirically critical of society and can be found on buildings and public structures all over London and in other major cities across the globe. He's been active since the early 1990s, and his identity remains unknown, although he is very famous.
This mysterious street artist has a unique and distinctive style that is immediately recognisable. His art often features stencilled images with dark humour and subversive, ambiguous, and often controversial messages. This combination of elements has contributed to his notoriety, allure, and the high prices his art commands.
You can find Banksy's Arts at Florence Bell Art Gallery!
Considering the significant interest in Banksy's artworks and given the secretive nature of the artist, it is not surprising that you may have some difficulty tracking down a reputable Banksy art dealer in London. However, these same qualities are also why many people and businesses try to cash in on the Banksy name through forgeries and fakes.
So, how can you be sure you're dealing with a reputable art dealer when looking for Banksy artwork in London?
5 Tips to Find a Reputable Banksy Art Dealer in London
1. Do your research
As with any other investment, it is essential to do your research before committing to anything. When it comes to investing in art, this means becoming familiar with the artist, their work, and the market.
It is vital to remember that the art world is unregulated, so, it is up to you to vet the person or organisation you are dealing with to ensure that they are legitimate.
Regarding Banksy's artworks, some online resources, such as Pest Control, can be helpful in your research. You can leverage this website to authenticate Banksy's paintings and learn more about the artist and his work.
2. Look for an established art gallery
Keep in mind that finding a Banksy art dealer in London can be a challenge, primarily because the artist is so elusive and due to the important number of copycats. However, this does not mean finding a reputable dealer is impossible.
One way to increase your chances of dealing with a legitimate art dealer is to look for an established art gallery with a good reputation in the art world and one that deals in contemporary art. These galleries have a vested interest in maintaining their reputation and, as such, are less likely to sell forgeries or fakes.
3. Visit auction houses
Another option to consider when looking for a reputable Banksy art dealer in London is to visit one of the city's auction houses. Here, you will find a broad range of artworks from different artists, including some by Banksy.
Some auction houses have strict authentication procedures to ensure that the artworks they sell are genuine. So, this is another avenue that you can explore to find a reputable dealer.
4. Check out art fairs
These events bring together different galleries and dealers worldwide, allowing you to view and purchase various artworks from different artists.
When attending an art fair, it is essential to remember that not all the dealers there will be legitimate. However, the more prominent and more well-known the art fair, the more likely you will find reputable dealers in attendance.
5. Banksy's official Instagram account
Banksy has an official Instagram account (@banksy) that he uses to tease upcoming projects and artworks. While he does not sell his artworks through this account, following him can give you insight into his work and provide clues as to where his art may pop up next.
Now that you are better positioned to find a reputable Banksy art dealer in London, you might wonder how much his artworks are worth.
How Much is Banksy's Art Worth?
Banksy's artworks often command high prices, with some of his more famous pieces selling for millions of pounds. However, it is essential to remember that the value of his artworks can vary greatly, depending on several factors. For example, artworks created in highly visible or public places are often more valuable than those made in more private locations. This is because they have a more significant potential to be seen by more people, which can increase their value.
The girl with the balloon is a perfect example of this. The piece first appeared on Waterloo Bridge and on the streets of London's Shoreditch. The artwork was framed and sold at an auction for USD1.4 million. However, immediately after the sale, the frame was shredded by a hidden paper shredder installed in the frame by Banksy. The shredded work of art was renamed "Love is in the bin" and was later sold for GBP 16 million in 2021. This was the first artwork to be shredded at an auction.
While the value of Banksy's artworks can vary greatly, one thing is for sure – if you are lucky enough to own one of his pieces, you have a valuable piece of art on your hands.
Florence Bell Art Gallery
If you are looking for a reputable Banksy art dealer in London, the Florence Bell Art Gallery is an excellent option to consider. We are an established art gallery providing bespoke consultancy services to art collectors and investors alike.
We have leveraged our rich experience in the art world and extensive network of contacts to source some of Banksy's most iconic artworks for our clients, including the Monkey Queen, Jack and Jill, and Very Little Helps, to name a few.
Feel free to contact us to learn more about our services or to enquire about purchasing Banksy's artworks.
