One of Banksy's most recent artworks is set to go under the hammer at a Newcastle auction house on Thursday, where it's expected to fetch a staggering seven figure sum.
The tiny thatched stable, which features a rodent and the words ‘Go Big Or Go Home” scrawled on the side, has received "a lot of attention from across the world" according to a spokesperson from Anderson & Garland Auctioneers.
The piece first appeared at a model village in Norfolk during summer, forming part of the anonymous street artist's 2021 series called the 'Great British Spraycation'.
It will be sold as part of The Modern Art & Design sale at the Westerhope -based auction house, with any perspective buyers required to pass preauthorisation checks before 5pm on Wednesday.
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The owners of the Merrival Model Village in Great Yarmouth, where the piece was found in August, have decided to auction the artwork over fears it could be stolen.
They are hoping that the sale will secure the future of the tourist attraction, and a replica will replace the original in the model village.
“The Banksy has been a life-saver for us as we’ve had to close so much due to the pandemic,” said Frances Newsome, who has run the model village since 2017 with her partner Frank.
Frank and Frances didn’t notice the model until two days later when it was pointed out to them by a visitor.
Banksy was seen working on eight pieces across Suffolk and Norfolk in a video entitled 'A Great British Spraycation' which was uploaded to his Instagram account.
Once confirmed as an original by the artist the work of art was secured in a perspex case and additional security employed, which became very expensive.
Anyone interested in making an offer on the artwork is advised to contact the auction house for more information on 0191 430 3000.
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