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A Banksy bulletproof vest sold for almost a million euros

Almost half a euro, no less. A bulletproof vest decorated with the Union Jack and created by British street artist Banksy was sold on Wednesday in London for 780,000 pounds (932,000 euros) at Sotheby’s. The item is similar to the one worn by hip-hop star Stormzy to the Glastonbury festival.

Made from old police clothing, it is one of five vests created by the graffiti artist to highlight the high levels of knife crime in the UK. It was estimated at 300,000 pounds.

“Condense a complex social issue through a flamboyant object”

British rapper Stormzy made this vest famous when he wore another from the same collection during his 2019 concert on the Glastonbury main stage.

“As only Banksy can, he manages to powerfully condense a complex social issue through a flamboyant object,” said Emma Baker, head of contemporary art evening sales at Sotheby’s. “There is no doubt that this work is more relevant today than when the first vest was presented at Glastonbury, an event which saw it become the symbol of a defining cultural moment,” she added .

Last month, London police charged two men with burglary after Banksy’s work “Girl with Balloon” was stolen from a gallery in the British capital.

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