Banksy’s Girl with Balloon print sells for £80,000 at auction

A print of Banksy’s famous Girl with Balloon artwork has been auctioned off for more than £80,000.

The original proof print of the iconic mural, first created in London in 2002, sold for twice its expected asking price at an auction in Los Angeles, US.

The auction also includes some of Banksy’s earliest works, such as an original painting of Banksy’s famed Hooded Figure which sold for £60,496.

Darren Julien, co-founder and executive director of Julien’s Auctions, said the collection offers ” unprecedented look at the history and path” of Banksy.

The 2004 pieces were offered to the public by Julien’s Auctions from the collection of the artist’s longtime agent and photographer Steve Lazarides.

An original hand-cut stencil of Banksy’s name fetched £44,984, and an original pair of Puma “Turf War” sneakers worn by the Bristol artist were also sold.

A series of sketches by the reclusive artist on a manilla featuring concept designs for his Paparazzi Rat stencil sold for £40,336.

Also included in the auction were 15 burner phones used by Lazarides to contact Banksy.

Mr Julien said: “This astonishing collection assembled and lovingly kept for over 25 years by his closest associate and partner, Steve Lazarides, offers an unprecedented look at the history and path of the man that would become the world’s most famous and visionary artist named Banksy.

“This auction featuring many of Banksy’s earliest works, most recognizable pieces and personal effects is a historic opportunity for the next caretaker to own the most comprehensive and definitive archive of Banksy’s legacy.”

Last month, a separate print of Girl With Balloon was also stolen from Grove Gallery in London, before being recovered by police.

“Banksy, myself, and a couple of others set up a company called Pictures On Walls and like we really wanted to make cheap affordable art for the masses,” Lazarides said.

“For a very short moment in time, we made a difference, we made it OK for ordinary people to like art… It’s by far the proudest thing I’ve done. And by far the most powerful thing I think he’s done.”