FILE PHOTOS OF phone box which has been surrounded by new Banksy artwork in Cheltenham. 14th April 2014. See SWNS story SWBANKSY; A famous Banksy once valued at a million pounds which "fell" off a wall appears to be for sale on Facebook. The elusive artist created 'spy booth' depicting three 'spooks' snooping on a phone box with listening devices near GCHQ in Cheltenham, Glos., in 2014. But it was reduced to a pile of rubble when builders worked on the wall above the artwork and it collapsed last summer. Building owner David Possee took the bits to the council for safekeeping, but yesterday (Weds) the broken pieces appeared for sale on Facebook.
A famous Banksy once valued at a million pounds which “fell” off a wall appears to be for sale on Facebook.
The elusive artist created ‘spy booth’ depicting three ‘spooks’ snooping on a phone box with listening devices near GCHQ in Cheltenham, Glos., in 2014.
But it was reduced to a pile of rubble when builders worked on the wall above the artwork and it collapsed last summer.
Building owner David Possee took the bits to the council for safekeeping, but yesterday the broken pieces appeared for sale on Facebook.
The seller ‘G-City Graf Slaps’ claims the pieces – depicting three spies’ faces – were “saved” and are now for sale to people making “serious offers”.
The advert said: “I have been given the opportunity to sell these original Banksy pieces on the open market.
“Originally located near GCHQ Cheltenham. Due to local government being a load of tw**s, this original had to be removed from wall.
“Pic shows what was saved. These three are up for sale! Can be confirmed with letter of home owner and press releases. Serious offers only.”
The artwork has been defaced and vandalised several times and the council granted the building Grade II listed status in 2015 to protect it from further damage.
But home owner David said it became a problem because he was then unable to rent the house out – leaving him struggling financially.
The art was accidentally destroyed after builders attempted to remove rendering on the same wall in August 2016.
David loaded up the destroyed artwork in the back of his van and took it to Cheltenham Borough Council.
Speaking at the time, Mark Nelson, enforcement manager at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “The owner has left pieces of the render with attached Banksy Spy Booth mural on it with the council whilst investigations are continuing.
“We would advise anyone against removing any further pieces from the location as this may be classed as a criminal offence.
“Until the investigation is complete we are unable to say what if any further action will be taken”.
