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Banksy’s Valentine Day Mascara artwork unveiled at Dreamland, Margate

13:01, 09 June 2023

updated: 16:25, 09 June 2023

A Banksy piece that appeared overnight on the side of a Margate house has been unveiled at Dreamland today.

The street artists’ Valentine’s Day Mascara, which is a commentary on domestic violence, was painted on an end-of-terrace home in Grosvenor Place back in February.

The Bansky artwork in Margate before it was removed. Picture: Dan Bambridge-Higgins
The Bansky artwork in Margate before it was removed. Picture: Dan Bambridge-Higgins

The work showed a woman wearing a retro dress, kitchen apron and Marigold gloves, with a bruised eye and missing teeth.

Sticking out from a fridge-freezer placed against the wall were a pair of legs, suggesting the man had been dumped there by his wife.

The unveiling at the fairground comes after a long-running saga that saw many flock to the site of the artwork to admire it before Thanet District Council (TDC) intervened.

There was outrage as the authority began to dismantle the piece just a day after the artwork first appeared.

Banksy's Valentine’s Day Mascara has found a new home, at Dreamland in Margate
Banksy's Valentine’s Day Mascara has found a new home, at Dreamland in Margate

Hours after Banksy claimed responsibility for the artwork, contractors from TDC carted away the fridge-freezer that formed a vital part of the piece.

The council said the piece was removed "on the grounds of safety" and would be returned "once it has been made safe to the public".

But in March, a forklift crew removed the chunk of wall that the rest of the piece was on – with the original owners of the property being keen for the relocation of the artwork.

Contractors for Red Eight Gallery were pictured using a forklift truck to remove the artwork - the last step of a process that had been ongoing for weeks.

It involved propping the house up while the piece was cut out and removed, ahead of its relocation to Dreamland.

Banksy's piece being assembled at Dreamland in Margate
Banksy's piece being assembled at Dreamland in Margate

Julian Usher at Red Eight Gallery said: “Having been instructed by the homeowner to remove the Banksy artwork it was their wish for it to stay in Margate for as long as possible.

“I have ultimate admiration for the team involved for the successful delivering of this task, from ADL the building contractors to Arte Conservators who have made it exhibition ready.

“I am very excited to see it at Dreamland.

“We are still in conversation with interested parties for the sale of the wall, which will also benefit Oasis Domestic Abuse Service in Margate and hope to be able to make an announcement very soon.”

Those visiting the theme park are encouraged to donate money for a local charity working in the domestic violence field.

The Bansky artwork being removed from the Margate home. Picture: Bread and Butter PR
The Bansky artwork being removed from the Margate home. Picture: Bread and Butter PR

Dreamland has partnered with Oasis, a charity which supports those affected by domestic abuse in Margate and the surrounding areas.

Visitors will be able to view the artwork in Dreamland’s Roller Room from Sunday.

Eddie Kemsley, the theme park’s CEO, said: “When Valentine’s Day Mascara was confirmed as an original piece by Banksy we were all thrilled, so imagine our delight and surprise when we were asked if we would like to host the piece at Dreamland.

“Of course, we jumped at the chance! Now, we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to see the artwork for themselves in its new location of our retro Roller Room.”

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