Banksy's 'Parachuting Rat' accidentally ruined by Australian builder
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A work by guerrilla artist Banksy has been accidentally ruined by a Australian builder after he drilled through it to put in a bathroom pipe.
'The Parachuting Rat' was painted by the artist about 15 years ago on a wall in Prahran suburb of Melbourne.
It is now the third piece by Banksy to be destroyed in Melbourne in just two years. One of his artworks was painted over in 2010 as part of a council clean-up. Another was damaged by vandals.
In recent years Banky's work has become a celebrity must-have with stars and collectors paying thousands for his work.
Tina McKenzie, a Melbourne resident, told Australia's Network Ten she had lived above Banksy's Parachuting Rat for almost ten years.
“Anybody that understands street art and recognises it as more than just vandalism understands that it is something we need to preserve,” she said.
This week residents of Whymark Avenue, near Turnpike lane in London awoke to find what is widely thought to be the latest Banksy.
It depicts a child making Jubilee bunting in a sweatshop.
Banksy, who has made a fortune from his work, is thought to have produced the art in the early hours of Tuesday morning, aided by two collaborators.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments