Art & Photography / NewsArt & Photography / NewsThat new Banksy artwork has been sold for a six-figure sumMore than enough to pay for a new garageShareLink copied ✔️January 19, 2019January 19, 2019Text Thom Waite The new Banksy artwork that appeared on a garage in the Welsh town of Port Talbot late last year – and has since been attacked by a “drunk halfwit” and wrecked the garage owner’s life – has now been sold for a six-figure sum. Ian Lewis, the garage owner, is apparently relieved after selling Season’s Greetings, which depicts a child that seems to be tasting snowflakes (actually falling ash), to Essex-based Banksy aficionado John Brandler. As the piece brought more tourists to the area, arrangements had to be made for protective covering and security, as people tried to “chip bits off it”, and it was all understandably a bit much. According to The Guardian, Lewis actually turned down higher offers in order to keep the piece in Port Talbot, which is appropriate, since it’s meant to be a commentary on the town’s harmful heavy industry. “I want it to stay in Port Talbot for a minimum of two to three years,” Brandler says, though it is likely to be moved to the town centre. Brandler has also suggested the possibility of bringing other Banksy artworks (also naming Damien Hirst) into the town to inspire young artists, and he’s reportedly been in talks with a local homeless charity about opening a cafe near where the artwork would be situated. As for Ian Lewis, he’ll be looking forward to a well-earned break (and a good night’s sleep). He says he might go on “a few holidays” with the money, adding: “I’ll rebuild the garage. I think that every graffiti artist in the area is going to come down and have a go at it now though, although I don’t think Banksy will be back again.” Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingThese photos expose the ‘pain, fear and desire’ of relationshipsAshley Markle's Low Hanging Fruit lays bare the complex dynamics of her significant parental, romantic, and sexual relationships in a series of candid photographsArt & PhotographyFashionThese candid photos deconstruct the fantasy of the modelling worldDazed LeagueInside an intimate soccer watch party in New YorkReplitLife & CultureWhat Went Down at the inaugural vibeconFilm & TV7 films to watch if you can’t wait for The OdysseyBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaBeauty‘Swipe left if you’re under 6ft’: Why are we so obsessed with height?Art & PhotographySun-drenched photo projects to stir your lust for summer NothingMusicNothing launches ‘Club Nothing’ nightlife series with a global fundEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy