Perspex which covered Banksy artwork to be sold for charity
A perspex screen which covered Banksy's latest artwork is set to be auctioned off for charity.
Plastic was installed over the piece which featured two reindeers pulling a bench – raising awareness for homelessness.
The Banksy artwork was created in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter on December 5.
But vandalism by another graffiti artist saw a protective screen put in place by Network Rail to prevent it from being ruined.
The Perspex screen was later defaced and kept by the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) to be auctioned at Fellows Auctioneers.
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The screen has currently attracted bids of more than £800 with the funds raised going to the Midland Langar Seva Society.
Luke Crane, executive director of the BID, said: "This piece of art by Banksy is an early Christmas gift – but brings with it a very strong message – a timely reminder that we are facing a nationwide homelessness crisis and we must not forget those in need, especially over the Christmas period.
"By taking inspiration from the artwork, we have an opportunity here to put the Jewellery Quarter firmly on the map, as the leading light in ending the homelessness crisis that is blighting our inner cities.
"Money raised through the auctioning of the original Perspex that protected the Banksy mural, will be donated to Midland Langar Seva Society."
The Perspex screen, which will be sold off on Friday, still has paint marks from where it was vandalised.
Simon Evans, spokesman for Network Rail, said: "We’re pleased to be able to sell this item, along with the story that goes with it, to raise money to help homeless people.
"Life is strange sometimes.
"Ordinarily a piece of Perspex is no big deal. But a piece of Perspex that has protected a Banksy - that is a big deal."
Stephen Whittaker, managing director for Fellows Auctioneers which holds auctions in the Jewellery Quarter, said the company were waving their fee to ensure every penny goes to charity.
He said: "We are delighted to be able to auction a piece of art history. We will be offering our services for free, and all proceeds raised from this auction will be going to charity.
"It is always a pleasure for Fellows to help such important causes as much as possible.
"The amazing reveal in the Jewellery Quarter this week was a fantastic surprise and it was great that Banksy decided to highlight homelessness here in the Jewellery Quarter.
"I am sure the auction of the Perspex screen will be popular amongst auction lovers and we can’t wait to see the bids coming in."
To bid, click here.
