Two men were charged with burglary after a Banksy artwork was stolen from a London gallery, the Metropolitan Police said Friday. The artwork, "Girl with Balloon," was taken from a gallery on New Cavendish Street in London at about 11 p.m. on Sunday. The piece was later returned to the gallery, police said, adding that it appeared to have been the only item taken in Sunday's burglary.
Larry Fraser, 47, and James Love, 53, were charged with non-residential burglary, the Met said. The pair appeared Thursday in Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court. They're scheduled to next appear in Kingston Crown Court on Oct. 9.
The Met's Flying Squad, which deals with robberies, led the investigation.
The theft took place at the Grove Gallery, which was hosting an exhibition called Banksy’s London Rebellion from 21 August to 7 September. The gallery's virtual tour shows the Girl with Balloon piece featured on the wall just inside the door of the building. The artwork is part of a series of paintings and stencils by the guerrilla artist, known for his social commentary and subversive style.
The theft has raised concerns about the security of Banksy's works, which are often targeted by thieves due to their high value. In 2018, a framed copy of the artwork fetched more than £1m before self-destructing on stage. Moments after the hammer fell, alarms sounded and the canvas dropped through a hidden shredder built into the bottom of the large ornate frame. The winning bidder decided to keep the purchase and the partially shredded picture was given a new title, Love Is in the Bin. It was sold three years later for a record £18.5m at Sotheby’s in London.
The theft also comes as Banksy has been making headlines for a series of animal-themed works dotted across the capital, including one at London Zoo. It is unclear whether the stolen artwork is one of these new pieces, or if it was simply a valuable piece that was easily accessible to thieves.
Banksy's Work: A Target for Thieves
Banksy's work has been a target for thieves for many years. In December, another Banksy piece in Peckham was stolen shortly after being unveiled. The installation – three aircraft resembling military drones on a stop sign – was removed by a man with bolt cutters. Just last month, a new piece by the artist was taken within an hour of being revealed. The stencil of a howling wolf on a satellite dish in Rye Lane, Peckham, was taken by masked men shortly after Banksy confirmed the artwork was his own on his official Instagram.
The Value of Banksy's Work
Banksy's work is highly valuable, and his pieces are often sold for millions of pounds. This makes them a lucrative target for thieves. The stolen "Girl with Balloon" artwork is estimated to be worth £270,000.
Banksy: The Mystery Artist
Banksy is a mysterious artist whose true identity remains unknown. He is known for his social commentary, his use of stencils, and his subversive style. His work is often seen as a critique of society and its institutions.
The Future of Banksy's Work
The theft of "Girl with Balloon" highlights the challenges of protecting Banksy's work. His pieces are often displayed in public spaces, making them vulnerable to theft. However, his work continues to be highly sought-after by collectors and art enthusiasts. It remains to be seen how the recent theft will affect the value of his work in the future.
Conclusion: A Bold Crime With An Uncertain Impact
The theft of "Girl with Balloon" is a bold crime that has captured the attention of the art world. It remains to be seen whether the theft will have any lasting impact on the value of Banksy's work. However, it is clear that the artist's work continues to be a hot commodity, and his pieces will continue to be targeted by thieves in the future.
