A unique opportunity awaits art and real estate enthusiasts as Banksy’s famed ‘Well Hung Lover’ mural goes up for auction, sold alongside the Grade II-listed building it is painted on. The artwork, painted in 2006, features an eye-catching scene of a man dangling out of a window in a bid to escape a romantic rival. Located on the side of a sexual health clinic in Bristol, UK, the mural has become an iconic piece of public art. Interestingly, Banksy, the elusive street artist known for his provocative and politically charged works, has noted that he was unaware of the building’s specific use when he created the piece.
The building, which dates back to the Georgian era, spans five floors and sits near notable landmarks such as the Bristol Cathedral and the University of Bristol. Currently, a nightclub operates from the basement, adding to the property’s vibrant character. Real estate agency Hollis Morgan, tasked with auctioning the property, is positioning it as a potential site for student apartment conversions. The auction includes a new 250-year lease, allowing the buyer to secure the property for the long term.
The Value and Conditions of the Sale
While the guide price for the property stands at just under $900,000, it appears to be a relative bargain when compared to Banksy’s record-breaking sales. His piece ‘Love is in the Bin’ sold for over $23.5 million at auction, highlighting the potential value of the ‘Well Hung Lover’ mural. However, prospective buyers need to be aware of a crucial stipulation: a restrictive covenant will be attached to the lease, ensuring that the artwork cannot be removed.
“The purchaser will be required to accept a restrictive covenant in the lease ensuring that the image cannot be removed,” explained Hollis Morgan. “However, the vendor will not require a positive obligation on the purchaser to maintain the artwork or insure it for as long as it shall remain visible and in place on the building.”
The Uncertain Future of Street Art
The future of street art in Bristol remains complex, as the city council currently has no official policy regarding such works, regardless of the artist’s renown. Hollis Morgan emphasized that street art, while often seen as a powerful form of protest, does not have a guarantee of permanence.
“It is recognised that street art is created not as a permanent work of art but as a form of protest which is usually, but not always, created illegally and without the permission of the owner of the building,” Hollis Morgan told the Guardian. “As such, the life of any image as a work of art will evolve and change over time depending on how the work weathers or is subsequently painted over or removed.”
This auction marks a rare chance to own not only a historic building but also a piece of art that embodies both local and global significance. The sale is sure to attract attention from collectors, investors, and Banksy admirers eager to secure a piece of contemporary art history.
