Will charity cyclists don Bansky T-shirts after artist's gift?

18/03/2010

Banksy may be best known for his controversial artwork but it appears the reclusive street artist has a soft side too.

A charity auction and quiz at a pub in Walton, Somerset, was interrupted by a mystery donor bearing two pieces of Banksy artwork for the auction.

Pamela Evans, who was at the event, explained that the man walked up to organisers and handed over two No Entry signs.

She recalled that he came into the pub, put a bin liner containing the signs on a table and said: "A donation from MC Ice, courtesy of Banksy."

The mysterious donation was auctioned off and raised £78 for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity, which is being supported in memory of local teacher Andy Hitt, who died from the illness in 2008.

You have to wonder whether the donation from the elusive artist will spur some of the people taking on the John O'Groats to Land's End bike ride later this year for the same cause to wear Banksy T-shirts to show their appreciation?

The artist's work has been hitting the headlines more of late due to the release of his debut film, Exit Through The Gift Shop.

Posted by Alison Foster