Banksy: what would you do?

[vickyv]

Just after your opinion as I’ve looked on here and can’t find anything similar... I am about to come into a little money - not sure of the exact amount yet. I have for years wanted a genuine Banksy but couldn’t ever afford one (broke single parent although that is not a sob story). Got very excited when I got a Laz tenner but I thought that was it. Now because this money is unexpected I feel like treating myself and leaving my child something unexpected years down the line. Of course I appreciate it is all subjective and down to taste (eg I couldn’t have a Queen Vic on my wall) but... My question to you is: should I buy 1 signed Banksy (obviously in the lower-priced category like trolleys) or 2 unsigned (again, lower priced ones)? How much more is a signature worth when both have Pest Control? What would you do?
It’s something I’ve been pondering recently and, with prices shooting up & availability it may already be out of my hands, but I just wondered what you thought. Ta

[Dermoth]

Hiya. I came into a similar situation recently. Had a few posters and a Di faced tenner etc. but decided to take the plunge on the real deal. I looked at a few and then decided I’d go for the one I loved most (Barcode). No regrets passing on some signed ones. Suggest you go for the image you love most. My two cents. A word of warning!! It’s addictive. I’m now thinking about adding another. Good luck with your choice. Nice place to be in.

[cest]

I have 1 child and another on the way... I am working towards having one for each child- i got a Weston Super Mare (a piece that reminds the viewer that our end is imminent) and will try to secure a hmv (as a reminder to obliterate the status quo) for the next child... When i meet my demise, they can figure out who takes what and can sell if they decide to. Also, i would like to upgrade both to signed copies.

That being said, both those images resonate with me, my personality and what i want in my life. Some of his other works have certian social commentary that i love, i just dont feel it in my bones like the 2 above. An example of this is stop and search and nola, love the story, it just is not as personal.

Good luck on your search... And whatever you decide, im sure will be great on your wall today and down the road for your offspring

[LJCal]

It’s all down to taste as you say. For me from an investment point of view I’ve focused on the more desirable unsigned prints than the less desirable signed, I believe as more new collectors enter the market these will see the most growth. Certainly the gap between signed and unsigned has closed in the last two years, signed prints that were 3-4 times the value are now going at 2-3 value of an unsigned. Also for something you hang on your wall you will have a much wider choice of images, for me I’d sooner have Golf Sale and Gangsta Rat unsigned, or Bomb Hugger and HMV u/s on my wall than a signed Trolleys or Sale Ends. There’s nothing wrong with Trolleys or SEV2 but they are not the most iconic or desirable of the Banksy images. For the more desirable signed prints you really need to spend £30-40k and for the top tier you’re looking at £50k+, that’s an awful lot of money to put into 1 image and when it comes to resell you will have a much smaller market to sell to.

[Express Post]

Hi Vicky, depending on how much you're talking about, I'd put aside no more than 10% to put into art. Taking the conservative approach, it would be safer to diversify, and even put some money aside for your lifestyle.
Money is not easy to get, so hold off on splurging and think about what else matters and prioritise. If you think Banksy is a good way of making some easy money, then there is a long line of sellers willing to part with theirs.
Good luck.

Feb 23, 2020 23:22:11 GMT 1 vickyv said:

Just after your opinion as I’ve looked on here and can’t find anything similar... I am about to come into a little money - not sure of the exact amount yet. I have for years wanted a genuine Banksy but couldn’t ever afford one (broke single parent although that is not a sob story). Got very excited when I got a Laz tenner but I thought that was it. Now because this money is unexpected I feel like treating myself and leaving my child something unexpected years down the line. Of course I appreciate it is all subjective and down to taste (eg I couldn’t have a Queen Vic on my wall) but... My question to you is: should I buy 1 signed Banksy (obviously in the lower-priced category like trolleys) or 2 unsigned (again, lower priced ones)? How much more is a signature worth when both have Pest Control? What would you do?
It’s something I’ve been pondering recently and, with prices shooting up & availability it may already be out of my hands, but I just wondered what you thought. Ta

[sfnyc]

Some good points above, especially the investment perspective considering high demand unsigned works vs signed cheaper works. Personally I prefer having a hand signed Banksy work on my wall, even if it is a less valuable work, rather than a more in demand unsigned work that Banksy may never have even touched or seen in person.

[blerd]

2 unsigned images you love.

[Deleted]

Make sure whatever you buy is professionally framed (reversable) and not hung in direct sunlight over the radiator. Stating the obvious but you dont want to spend all that money and find in a few years its yellowed or been duck taped.

[corbu]

I would identify the 2 unsigned prints you like and which fall within your budget; the 1 signed print you like and falls within your budget; and then decide which of the 2 options you prefer.

[tigerlily]

Hi,
I am new to Banksy and would like to buy a genuine print however do not know where to buy one and what price to pay.
Any help would be much apprecaited
Nick

[Happy Shopper]

Jun 4, 2020 17:16:14 GMT 1 tigerlily said:

Hi,
I am new to Banksy and would like to buy a genuine print however do not know where to buy one and what price to pay.
Any help would be much apprecaited
Nick

I'm sure you'll get offers here... or try auctions like Tate Ward, etc.
Cheapest official print was in debate here recently... I think it was £15k (ish) for a silver, unsigned "Flag" print.

Poster editions are cheaper, but easier to fake. Generally £500 - £3000, depending on which one!

[startimeash]

An associated question - what about insurance? If you've got £20k+ sitting on your wall, what sort of impact does that have on your house insurance? Is it worth getting insured separately, and what sort of money are you talking about? I have a few named items on my house insurance (nowhere near that bracket!) and it has raised prices at renewal time. Is it economically viable to hang something in the £20k+ range on the wall in the average house and have the proper coverage for it?

[FЯ]

Jun 4, 2020 18:15:11 GMT 1 startimeash said:

An associated question - what about insurance? If you've got £20k+ sitting on your wall, what sort of impact does that have on your house insurance? Is it worth getting insured separately, and what sort of money are you talking about? I have a few named items on my house insurance (nowhere near that bracket!) and it has raised prices at renewal time. Is it economically viable to hang something in the £20k+ range on the wall in the average house and have the proper coverage for it?

House insurance wont cover it.
Need hiscox