Banksy Art Costs Taxpayers £150k
Removal of just one Royal Courts of Justice mural has cost over £85,000, sparking outrage and debate over the value of his work
Three Banksy artworks in London have cost taxpayers nearly £150,000 in removal efforts, security, and other costs. The largest bill relates to a mural painted on the Royal Courts of Justice in London, where efforts to remove it and provide security have so far cost more than £85,000.
The Ministry of Justice spent £50,000 trying to remove paint from the wall of the Grade II-listed building on Carey Street. A further £35,000 was spent on overtime and security costs for the Royal Courts of Justice mural. The removal process for the mural is still ongoing and costs are expected to rise.
In addition to the Royal Courts of Justice mural, two other Banksy artworks have also incurred significant costs. A Banksy statue that appeared in London in April cost £60,000 in security barriers, staff, and administrative costs. A Banksy artwork that transformed a City of London police sentry box into a giant piranha tank was removed at a cost of £2,200.
The debate over whether Banksy's work constitutes vandalism or valuable public art has been reignited by the costs. The Royal Courts of Justice is a listed building and HMCTS are obliged to maintain its original character. Banksy claimed the Royal Courts of Justice mural as his own work by posting an image on his website and Instagram account.
## What it means The costs have sparked a debate over whether taxpayers should foot the bill for the removal and security of Banksy's artworks. While some see his work as valuable public art, others view it as vandalism. The shadow justice secretary, Nick Timothy, said it was “outrageous” that taxpayers’ money was being spent cleaning up after the artist. However, art critic Estelle Lovatt defended Banksy's work, highlighting its benefits for tourism.
## Context Banksy's work has sold at auction for upwards of £18m, and his murals and installations often attract large crowds. The anonymous Bristol-born street artist's work has generated significant interest and controversy over the years. As the removal process for the Royal Courts of Justice mural continues, the debate over the value and cost of Banksy's work is likely to continue.
