Banksy confirms he created sneezing woman artwork spotted in Bristol
10 December 2020, 14:22 | Updated: 11 December 2020, 10:01
Banksy has confirmed he created a piece of graffiti spotted on the side of a house in his home city of Bristol.
The street art has appeared on the side of a house on Vale Street, in Totterdown and has already drawn a small crowd.
The humorous graffiti features a woman sneezing with such force that her false teeth are seen flying across the wall.
A piece of transparent acrylic has now been fitted around the artwork to protect the piece.
The artwork appeared on Thursday and was confirmed by the artist later that evening.
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Local resident Ollie, who lives on Vale Street, told LBC he hopes the piece stays.
“I would like to see it kept here, but the nature of graffiti is it is probably going to get targeted here tonight or tomorrow,” he explained.
Read more: Banksy gifts new artwork to hospital in thanks to NHS staff
Similarly, Tom, who cycled up the steep hill to view the piece, told LBC: “I’m hoping it stays for the public to see.”
“It would be great if it is respected and people are able to come and have a look at it and enjoy it.”
Possible Banksy artwork appears in Bristol
On Wednesday, a metal monolith appeared at the top of Glastonbury Tor, featuring a small Banksy-esque mouse and the words 'Not Banksy'.
After walkers spotted the structure, the National Trust, who look after the site, warned: “Glastonbury Tor is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and any actions like this may have caused damage to this fragile site and may encourage others to do the same.
"To prevent the risk of damaging important sites, we insist that anybody who wishes to put something on our land must always contact us first.”
Read more: Monolith appears on Isle of Wight beach after sightings in US and Romania
Some more pictures of the #notbanksy badly installed Monolith on Glastonbury Tor this morning. pic.twitter.com/CJDccHfgyC
— Michelle (@Glastomichelle) December 9, 2020
Many of Banksy's murals have also been lifted from walls and sold, with Kissing Coppers - an image of two male police officers in an embrace on the side of a Brighton pub - selling for £350,000 in 2011.
Within hours the council had rushed to protect the piece by placing clear plastic sheeting over it, although vandals spray painted over the plastic multiple times within days.
Meanwhile, in July a coronavirus-inspired Banksy artwork appeared on a London Tube train.
A series of rats were stencilled around a carriage wearing face masks, sneezing or clutching hand sanitiser in a piece named If You Don't Mask, You Don't Get.
Transport for London swiftly removed the piece in line with its anti-graffiti policy, but said: "We appreciate the sentiment of encouraging people to wear face coverings.
Banksy targets London Underground with Coronavirus inspired art
This summer, Banksy used the sale of his artworks to finance a 30-metre motor yacht to rescue migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean into Europe.
Named after 17th century French anarchist Louise Michel, it features Banksy artwork on its exterior.
The artist also gifted an artwork to Southampton General Hospital in May, thanking NHS staff for their work.
Banksy left a note for hospital workers, saying: "Thanks for all you're doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if its only black and white."
