Banksy leaves surprise mural for school that named a house after him
[Reception class school children skip past a mural, attributed to graffiti artist Banksy, painted on the outside of a class room at the Bridge Farm Primary School in Bristol, Britain June 6, 2016 / Dylan Martinez/REUTERS]
Students at Bristol’s Bridge Farm primary school were in for a pleasant surprise after finding a mural by famous British street artist Banksy painted on their playground.
The mysterious graffiti artists, whose identity remains unconfirmed, is thought to be the culprit behind a mural depicting a girl rolling a burning tire, reports The Guardian.
Back from half-term holiday only to find an original Banksy on the playground wall. Bridge Farm School in Bristol. pic.twitter.com/ZgMglDjMnZ
— Jon Kay (@jonkay01) 6 June 2016
The surprise art piece appeared at the elementary school after students voted to rename one of their school houses after Banksy, whose career began in Bristol years before.
In a letter left at the scene, Banksy wrote to students thanking them for the honour, and also giving them an extra piece of advice that school officials might be less enthusiastic about.
“Dear Bridge Farm, thanks for your letter and naming a house after me. Please have a picture. If you don’t like it, feel free to add stuff – I’m sure the teachers wont mind. Remember – it’s always easier to get forgiveness than permission. With love, Banksy.”
Some consider Banksy’s street art vandalism, but the difference is this anonymous artist’s work fetches hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
But as of now the school has no plans to try and sell its free piece of fine art. Headteacher Geoff Mason told the Guardian they’ll instead be keeping the mural because it’s both “inspirational and aspirational” for students.