Banksy 'Sword Rat aka Bowler Hat Rat' from Brighton ca. 2004. from the collection of Harvey Haddock Banksy´s 'dogs body' at the time. 20 x 18 cm. Aerosol spray on...
Banksy "Sword Rat aka Bowler Hat Rat" from Brighton ca. 2004. from the collection of Harvey Haddock Banksy´s "dogs body" at the time. 20 x 18 cm. Aerosol spray on corrugated cardboard. Street condition.
A photo exists of Harvey Haddock as he is working on the exhibition “Crude Oils” that opened at 100 Westbourne Grove in London and was Banksy’s second major exhibition, after Turf War in 2003. It featured 20 versions of classical oil paintings, among them Van Gogh, Hopper, Warhol, Turner and Monet. Also, present were 200 live rats and some interesting sculptures. See last photo with Haddock.
Haddock was also used by Banksy as the model for the famous Banksy painting “Nighthawks” depicting a drunk Englishman (Harvey Haddock) who has thrown a chair in the window of the bar in Edward Hoppers famous painting Nighthawks.
Other examples of the small rat seen in the photos. The two rats also originate from Haddock and will be exhibited in USA soon. The rat on the wooden door is spray-paint on wood Location Brighton. Featured in graffiti book cover 'Untitled'. Vermin Authentication once that was an option. Exhibited; Andipa Gallery 2008. Banksy. The Flower Cellars 2009. Considered a street related work so not eligible for formal authentication. The work is accompanied by a letter of provenance from the former owner stating the above.
Provenance:
Harvey Haddock Michael Cunningham Private collection.