Confirmed Banksy mural now protected by plastic panels in Wales
A town in Wales has banded together to protect their newfound Banksy masterpiece. “Season’s Greetings” appeared on a Port Talbot man’s garage earlier this month. Banksy has since taken to Instagram to confirm that he is the artist behind the mural.
The mural depicts a child catching “snowflakes” in his mouth on one side of the garage. However, on the corresponding side, a burning dumpster reveals that the snowflakes are actually ash.
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According to Wales BBC reporter Huw Thomas, the man originally built his garage to protect his vehicles from being vandalized in 1990. Despite the irony, the man doesn’t seem too bothered but the visit.
This is Ian Lewis who owns the garage. He built it in the late 1990s to stop his car getting vandalised. He’s pleased but slightly stumped about what to do with his suspected #Banksy pic.twitter.com/YaVZT275eQ
— Huw Thomas (@huwthomas) December 19, 2018
To protect the piece from vandalism or damage, actor Michael Sheen teamed up with a local businessman to construct the panel. While the construction has been criticized for obstructing the view, it ultimately will make the piece of art last longer.
Latest work by #Banksy goes under coverhttps://t.co/5EbdpnlMI5 pic.twitter.com/Blm1yJTPOl
— BBC Wales News (@BBCWalesNews) December 22, 2018
After all, it’s a good thing the plastic shield is there. According to BBC Wales, a drunken man tried to deface the artwork last evening. However, a security guard chased the man away before anything happened to the mural.
A more permanent solution for the mural is expected to be installed following the first of the year.
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Despite the argument, the people of Wales seem grateful for the plastic paneling. By extending the piece’s longevity, more people in the community can see it. Check out some Wales locals seeing the piece in-person below.
Went to see the #Banksy in #PortTalbot it was pitch black and the flash was bouncing off the perspex so not a great photo. Glad I got to see it before something happens to it though. pic.twitter.com/VifHpkJQUZ
— Mark Hawkins (@themarkhawkins) December 22, 2018
Banksy in Port Talbot. Just beautiful. So glad we managed to visit it #Banksy pic.twitter.com/H22eQtuHqJ
— Anna Hurley (@AnnilouH) December 22, 2018
My first Banksy #Banksy pic.twitter.com/2rJdt9xHw5
— Peter Humble (@PeteHumble) December 22, 2018
A few months ago, Banksy was in the news for a self-destructing painting. The painting sold at auction for $1.4 million.
What do you think of the latest Banksy piece? Sound off in the comments below.