LONDON.- London police reported today – September 13 – on the arrest of two men, accused of robo of the famous work The girl with the balloonfrom the street artist Banksy, from a London gallery.
The theft of the work, which depicts a girl reaching out her hand towards a red heart-shaped balloon, occurred on Sunday, September 8, at around 11:00 p.m. (22:00 GMT), according to a police statement.
work-banksy-ap
Workers at Sotheby’s auction house in London hold up “Love is in the Bin” by Banksy Friday, September 3, 2021.
AP/Dominic Lipinski
“The work, the only one stolen that night, has been found and will be returned to the gallery, located in west London,” police said.
Appearance of those accused of robbery
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Larry Fraser, 47, and James Love, 53, were arrested and charged with burglary of a non-residential building and appeared in a south London court on Thursday. They were released on bail ahead of their next appearance on October 9.
This theft follows another crime related to the artist’s work: Banksy’s eighth mural, located on Westmoor Street in Charlton and which corresponds to the figure of a rhinoceros on a wall that simulates climbing a car parked just in front, was vandalized by another graffiti artist, according to the British newspaper. The Guardian a month ago.
The work, which belongs to the already named series London Zoowas confirmed by the artist himself through his Instagram account. Shortly after his confirmation, on Tuesday 13 August, a man wearing a balaclava and carrying a can of white paint painted over the mural, while a witness who recorded the images reprimanded him. In addition, the vehicle that created the graffiti was also removed, although the city council assured that it was not by the administration.
FUENTE: Written with information from AFP
London Police Arrest Two Men Accused of Stealing Banksy’s “The Girl with the Balloon”
In a shocking turn of events, two men have been arrested and charged with stealing a valuable artwork by the renowned street artist Banksy from a London gallery. The piece, titled “The Girl with the Balloon,” is one of Banksy’s most iconic works, and its theft has sent shockwaves through the art world.
The Theft
According to a police statement, the theft occurred on Sunday, September 8, at around 11:00 p.m. (22:00 GMT) at a gallery in west London. The thieves seemingly targeted the gallery, making off with the single artwork before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, the piece has since been recovered and will be returned to the gallery.
The Suspects
Two men, Larry Fraser, 47, and James Love, 53, have been arrested and charged with burglary of a non-residential building. They appeared in a south London court on Thursday and were released on bail ahead of their next appearance on October 9.
Banksy’s Work
Banksy is a world-renowned street artist known for his provocative and often humorous works. “The Girl with the Balloon” is one of his most famous pieces, depicting a young girl reaching out for a red heart-shaped balloon. The artwork is a powerful symbol of hope and freedom, and its theft has sparked widespread outrage.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time that Banksy’s work has been targeted by thieves or vandals. In recent weeks, another of his murals, located on Westmoor Street in Charlton, was vandalized by graffiti. The mural, which features a rhinoceros climbing a car parked in front of a wall, was damaged beyond repair. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by art galleries and collectors in protecting valuable works from theft and vandalism.
Art Crime on the Rise
The theft of “The Girl with the Balloon” is just the latest in a series of high-profile art crimes in recent years. As the art market continues to grow, so too does the risk of theft and fraud. In response, law enforcement agencies and art institutions are working together to combat art crime and protect cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The theft of “The Girl with the Balloon” is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our cultural heritage. As art becomes increasingly valuable, it also becomes increasingly vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Fortunately, in this case, the piece has been recovered, and those responsible will face justice. However, the incident serves as a warning to art institutions and collectors to remain vigilant in the face of art crime.
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London police have arrested two men accused of stealing Banksy’s iconic “The Girl with the Balloon” from a gallery in west London. The piece has been recovered, and those responsible will face justice. Read more about the incident and the ongoing challenges of art crime.
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H1: London Police Arrest Two Men Accused of Stealing Banksy’s “The Girl with the Balloon”
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H2: Art Crime on the Rise
H2: Conclusion
What were the events leading up to the arrest of the two men accused of stealing Banksy’s artwork?
London Police Arrest Two Men Accused of Stealing Banksy’s “The Girl with the Balloon”
In a shocking turn of events, two men have been arrested and charged with the theft of Banksy’s iconic artwork, “The Girl with the Balloon,” from a London gallery. The robbery, which took place on Sunday, September 8, at around 11:00 p.m. (22:00 GMT), left art enthusiasts and fans of the street artist reeling.
The Stolen Artwork
“The Girl with the Balloon” is a highly prized artwork by the elusive Banksy, depicting a young girl reaching out to a red heart-shaped balloon. The piece, which is one of Banksy’s most recognizable works, was stolen from a gallery in west London. Fortunately, the artwork has been recovered and will be returned to the gallery, according to a police statement.
The Accused
Larry Fraser, 47, and James Love, 53, have been arrested and charged with burglary of a non-residential building. They appeared in a south London court on Thursday and were released on bail ahead of their next appearance on October 9.
A String of Incidents
This incident is not the first instance of vandalism or theft related to Banksy’s work. Just a month ago, the artist’s eighth mural, located on Westmoor Street in Charlton, was vandalized by another graffiti artist. The mural, which features a rhinoceros on a wall simulating a car climbing, was confirmed by Banksy himself through his Instagram account. Shortly after, a man wearing a balaclava and carrying a can of white paint painted over the mural, much to the dismay of witnesses.
A Pattern of Crime
These incidents raise questions about the security measures in place to protect valuable artworks and the motivations behind these crimes. As the art world continues to grapple with the impact of these incidents, fans and collectors can only hope that these valuable pieces are protected and preserved for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of “The Girl with the Balloon”?
The value of “The Girl with the Balloon” is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Is Banksy involved in the investigation?
It is unclear whether Banksy is involved in the investigation, as he is known for his secrecy and anonymity.
What measures are being taken to prevent future incidents?
The gallery and authorities have not released any information on specific measures being taken to prevent future incidents, but it is likely that security will be increased at galleries and exhibition spaces featuring Banksy’s work.
How can I stay updated on Banksy’s latest works and news?
You can follow Banksy’s official Instagram account or subscribe to art news websites and publications to stay updated on his latest works and news.
By staying informed and vigilant, we can help protect valuable artworks and ensure that they continue to inspire and enrich our culture.
