BANKSY, BOMB MIDDLE ENGLAND, SIGNED SCREEN PRINT, EDITION OF 50, 2003
Bomb Middle England was released by Pictures on Walls as a signed screen print by Banksy in 2003, as an edition of 50 on wove paper, two years before 450 were released in an unsigned print run. Additionally, 31 signed and numbered artist proofs were also made available.
In 2007, Bombing Middle England, the original piece of acrylic and spray paint on canvas, fetched £102,000 at Sotheby's. Finding a signed edition of this artwork is extraordinarily difficult and the demand for these is very high. Bomb Middle England depicts three middle-aged ladies playing a game of boules, the lawn is bright green and is the only colour featured in this screen print. With the ladies on the far left and their boules, which are in fact lit fuse bombs, on the far right. The subversive message of Bomb Middle England, as with all Banksy pieces, is up for debate; perhaps it is a critique of the predictable structure that seems to define English middle-class culture. It could also be read as a critical comment on the UK elite, or wealthier members of society, who are shielded from the harsh realities of war, destruction or poverty. Banksy is outspoken against the military-industrialist complex and war as profit in his artworks, such as in other powerful screen prints like Bomb Hugger, Happy Choppers and Have a Nice Day.
Read more about Bomb Middle England by Banksy.
ABOUT BANKSY
Banksy is undoubtedly the world’s most sought-after and talked about street artist, his work represents his political and social commentary on the world, and has appeared on city walls throughout it – from London to New York, from Jamaica to the Gaza Strip.
Banksy is not only known for his high profile murals, he has been releasing limited edition prints for many years, produced in various formats, including signed and unsigned works, as well as artist proofs and gift prints. However, only a very select number of people know exactly what the elusive street artist creates and how many he releases. Some editions, for example, are only made available to VIPs, collectors and friends of Banksy’s who are part of the much-coveted inner circle. This has only made the demand for his limited edition silkscreen prints and artists proofs in circulation, grow in popularity year on year. Learn more about street artist Banksy.
