Art / art
Banksy’s Grim Reaper to go on show at M Shed
One of Banksy’s most famous pieces, which until recently could be seen on the side of the Thekla, is going on display this week at the M Shed.
The Grim Reaper was painted onto the boat a decade ago. However, prolonged exposure to the elements eventually began to take its toll and caused the artwork to deteriorate.
Thekla owners DHP Family decided to remove the Grim Reaper when the vessel was in dry dock in August last year. It was then that they arranged a long-term loan of the valuable artwork to Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives.
is needed now More than ever
DHP Family chairman George Akins said: “We just wanted to preserve this piece of art before it deteriorated too much. By working with Bristol City Council we’ve been able to make sure that, although the Grim Reaper is being removed from its original setting, it can still be seen for free and in fact people will now have a better view.”
Ray Barnett, head of collections and archives at Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives, assessed the painting.
He said: “We are very pleased to work with DHP Family to preserve this work of art but also to enable M Shed to continue developing its displays to reflect contemporary, as well as historic life, in Bristol. The Thekla and its associated art has been an established part of the Bristol docks for a long time and many Bristolians will be able to relate to the image but also, by association, to the contribution the Thekla has made to the city’s night life.”
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