In a unique auction offering, a building in the heart of Bristol, U.K., featuring one of Banksy’s earliest murals, Mild Mild West, is set to hit the market. The mural, painted in 1999 on the side of a property in Stokes Croft, shows a teddy bear throwing a molotov cocktail at a group of riot police, reflecting Banksy’s signature blend of satire and social commentary. The piece was inspired by a New Year’s Eve warehouse raid in Bristol, capturing the rebellious spirit of the city.
The building, originally bought for £55,000 ($71,000) in 2000 when it was vacant, now houses a mixed-use space with four bedrooms and a barber shop on the ground floor. It’s listed for auction with a guide price of £750,000 ($979,000) by Hollis Morgan, which anticipates significant interest due to the presence of the Banksy mural. Andrew Morgan, the company’s director, noted the strong local connection to the artist, saying, “He’s a local boy, and we expect enormous interest, especially here.”
Banksy’s Mild Mild West has become a local landmark and is even featured in the 2013 book Banksy’s Bristol: Home Sweet Home. According to record store owner Jim Paine, who encouraged Banksy to create the piece, the artist spent three days completing the work, with meticulous attention to detail. “Banksy’s a perfectionist,” Paine recalled, appreciating the whimsical yet loaded imagery of the teddy bear.
While owning a building with an original Banksy is a point of pride for some, it can also bring challenges. In other parts of the U.K., properties with Banksy murals have faced issues, from large crowds to costly preservation measures. Yet despite these complications, the value of a Banksy mural remains undeniable, and the auction of this Bristol property is poised to attract art collectors and investors alike.
Whether it’s the allure of owning a piece of street art history or the investment potential of a Banksy-adorned property, this sale is certain to spark interest far beyond Bristol.
