Banksy’s iconic ‘Well Hung Lover’ building to be auctioned in 2024

The building featuring Banksy’s famous Well Hung Lover artwork, one of Bristol’s best-known and most-photographed murals, is set to go under the hammer next year.

The property, located on Unity Street just off Park Street, will be auctioned in February with a guide price of £700,000.

The mural, visible from the bottom of Park Street, was created in 2006 on the side of what was then a sexual health clinic. It depicts a naked man hanging from a window while a woman in her underwear looks on and a suited man searches for him. The work was painted during a period of tension between graffiti artists and Bristol City Council, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s approach to street art.

Initially, council authorities considered removing the artwork, which is situated directly opposite City Hall. However, an online poll saw overwhelming public support, with 97% of respondents voting to keep it. Since then, Well Hung Lover has become one of Bristol’s most visited and celebrated pieces of street art, frequently featured in city events like the Bristol Light Festival.

The building is being sold by estate agents Hollis Morgan, who have stated that a restrictive covenant in the 250-year lease will prevent the mural from being removed and sold separately. This measure ensures the artwork remains intact as part of Bristol’s cultural heritage.

The property itself is a five-storey building with five bedrooms and development potential. The ground floor has been home to Bristol Festivals, a charity supporting the city’s festival and events community, for nearly a decade. The property also includes a nightclub space with a lease running until 2032.

Plans to convert the building into high-density student accommodation were previously rejected by city planners. Despite its potential for redevelopment, the building’s association with Banksy’s artwork makes it a unique offering in the upcoming auction.

The auction, set for February 2024, is expected to draw significant interest due to the building’s central location and its connection to one of Banksy’s most iconic works.

Picture credit: Alamy