LONDON (AP) — Two men have been arrested for stealing a piece of artwork by the famous street artist Banksy during a break-in at a gallery in London.
According to the Metropolitan Police, 47-year-old Larry Fraser and 53-year-old James Love are accused of taking the artwork titled “Girl with Balloon” from the Grove Gallery on Sunday night.
The two men appeared in Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where they were ordered to remain in custody until their next court date on October 9.
Police released surveillance footage showing a masked suspect breaking through a glass door, rushing inside, and grabbing the artwork off the wall. Officials have since recovered the painting, which is worth approximately 270,000 pounds (about $355,000), according to court documents. No other items were reported stolen during the incident.
This particular artwork is one of several versions of Banksy’s iconic “Girl with Balloon,” which depicts a child reaching out for a heart-shaped red balloon. Originally painted on a wall in east London, the image has been widely reproduced and is considered one of Banksy’s most recognizable pieces.
Another famous version of “Girl with Balloon” partially self-destructed during a high-profile auction in 2018, as it passed through a hidden shredder right after being sold for 1.1 million pounds ($1.4 million) at Sotheby’s.
The self-shredded artwork was later renamed “Love is in the Bin” and fetched a staggering 18.6 million pounds ($25.4 million at that time) in 2021.
Lindor Mehmetaj, the gallery manager, expressed his shock and fear over the theft but was relieved to have the artwork returned. “We are very fortunate, but it’s rare for art to be recovered after being stolen,” he said, suggesting that the incident might actually increase the artwork’s value. “Typically, when fine art and masterpieces are stolen, their financial worth can rise significantly,” he explained. “Let’s hope this happens with this Banksy piece as well.”
Banksy, who has never fully revealed his identity, started his career by spray-painting buildings in Bristol, England, and has since become one of the most famous artists in the world. His playful and often critical artwork includes pieces like two policemen kissing, armed riot police with smiley faces, and a chimpanzee holding a sign that reads, “Laugh now, but one day I’ll be in charge.”
His art can sell for millions at auctions and often attracts thieves and vandals.
This summer, a series of animal-themed stencils appeared around London, including a howling wolf on a satellite dish that was taken down by a masked person shortly after being confirmed as authentic. Other images, such as a gorilla at the London Zoo and piranhas in a police sentry box in London’s financial district, were also removed by authorities for safekeeping.
