Grannies Banksy
Find out more about Banksy’s Grannies series, browse prints & editions for sale & view the works wanted by active buyers right now.
Grannies is an original, limited edition screen print that was first displayed as a painting at Banksy’s iconic exhibition Barely Legal, which took place in a warehouse in Los Angeles in 2006. It was shown alongside 100 unsigned screen print editions printed by Modern Multiples, that sold for $500 apiece.
It is a well-known design by Banksy that is regularly in demand, and its relatively low edition size further contributes to its desirability. In 2007, Banksy’s UK-based printer Pictures of Walls released just 150 Grannies signed prints and 600 unsigned prints, as well as a hand finished signed print edition of just 11.
The work portrays a couple of elderly grandmothers innocently knitting in their armchairs, accompanied by cups of tea and a chintz lampshade. However, on closer inspection, the text emblazoned in block-capitals across the jumpers they are knitting bear the unlikely slogans “Punks Not Dead” and “Thug For Life”.
The harmless grannies appear content to be partaking in such a humble act of rebellion. Rendered in Banksy’s famous black and white stencil style, the pair are set against a block pink background, a formal juxtaposition that only serves to heighten the humorous contradiction between scene and message. Perhaps this is to remind the viewer not to underestimate the relatively innocuous appearance of the older generation, which acts as a guise for their rebellious pasts.
It could also be read as Banksy encouraging the older generation to pass down their acts of defiance to the future generations, along with the knitted jumpers they gift their grandchildren. On the flip side, it has also been suggested that the picture represents the gentrification of counter-culture into a tame, mainstream movement suitable even for grannies.
Why is Grannies important?
Grannies is one of six prints belonging to a rare and valuable collection referred to as the Barely Legal Print Set, which also includes the works Morons, Applause, Trolleys, Sale Ends and Festival. Grannies is one of the most humorous and visually striking works from the set.
How do I buy Grannies?
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of buying work by Banksy is by using us to reach a seller. MyArtBroker is a curated site, meaning we feature artists that our collectors say they want. You can find Banksy art for sale here. You’ll need to create a free account to buy or sell with us.
How can I sell Grannies?
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