Art / banksy
Christopher Walken paints over original Banksy artwork
Banksy visited the set of The Outlaws in Bristol in order for Christopher Walken to paint over one of his signature rat stencils.
In the last few minutes of the final episode of series one, Walken’s character Frank takes away a wooden panel propped up against a wall of Sea Mills Community Centre, revealing a work by Banksy of a rat standing on top of one spray can and pressing the nozzle of another.
After informing his oblivious supervisor, Diana, Walken then paints over the artwork with a roller – thereby destroying a piece of art likely to have reached a six-figure sum if sold at auction.
is needed now More than ever
Christopher Walken finds the oritinal Banksy while his superviser has her back turned – photo: BBC
A spokesperson for The Outlaws said: “We can confirm that the artwork at the end of The Outlaws was an original Banksy, and that Christopher Walken painted over that artwork during the filming of this scene, ultimately destroying it.”
Now you see it – photo: BBC
Now you don’t – photo: BBC
Here is the exchange between Frank, played by Christopher Walken, and Diana, played by Jessica Gunning.
“Diana, look at this rat I found.”
“Any vermin under ten kilos are yours. Bag it and bin it.”
“No, it’s a graffiti rat.”
“Council says paint over any graffiti so crack on.”
“It’s awfully good.”
“Less debating, more painting.”
Much of series one of The Outlaws was filmed at Sea Mills Community Centre – photo: BBC
Main photo: BBC
Read more: Outlaws character reveals she helped topple Colston’s statue
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