BANKSY (British Street Artist, b. 1974) ‘Gangsta Rat with Microphone’ (Islington, London 2004) Stencil and Aerosol Spray Paint on rendered wall Size: 64 x 46 cm (+/-) (25.2 x 18.1 in) (Unique) CONDITION Excellent and Authentic (Please refer to department for Condition report) DESCRIPTION - This iconic piece which is in Banksy’s trademark monochrome palette, depicts a rat with a necklace, holding a microphone. PROVENANCE - This piece was salvaged from an old building in Islington, London, which was being demolished to make way for new apartments. The artwork had been painted over by City Council workers many years before Banksy became an established name in the artworld and was only exposed shortly before demolition works on the building began. The piece is completely unrestored with accompanying pictures of its removal. FOOTNOTE Since 2004 less than eight street art stencils ‘Gangsta Rat with Microphone’ have survived. (This work will be included in Banksy’s Catalogue Raisonné of Street Arts, currently in preparation.)