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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Dalya Alberge

Legal row could finally force mystery artist Banksy to reveal his real name

A person with gloves blocks their face and chest by holding up the framed Banksy print Monkey Queen, which shows a monkey wearing a necklace and crown, with the Banksy prints Grin Reaper and Gangsta Rat on the wall behind
A limited edition print of Monkey Queen (2003) by Banksy next to Grin Reaper and Gangsta Rat (Red) at the Hofa Gallery in Mayfair, London, in 2020. Photograph: PA Images/Alamy

His identity has long been a matter of speculation and investigation, but Banksy may be forced to reveal his real name if a dispute over a print of the late Queen Elizabeth depicted as a bejewelled primate ends up in court.

Two art collectors are taking legal action against the graffiti artist’s company, Pest Control, following its apparent refusal to confirm the authenticity of Monkey Queen. After three years of trying to get an answer, Nicky Katz and Ray Howse have lost patience and are suing Pest Control for breach of contract.

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