Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Colston 4 shirt by Banksy set to sell for £20,000
ONE of the “Colston 4” is set to make up to £20,000 by auctioning a signed T-shirt personally given to them by Banksy during their trial.
The Bristol-born street artist released a limited number of T-shirts in support of the group accused of wrecking the Edward Colston statue.
They were designed to show solidarity with the group accused then later cleared of pulling down the statue in 2020.
They were available for £25 from limited locations across Bristol and saw people queuing for hours to buy one.
But Banksy also made four unique T-shirts just for the Colston Four – Sage Willoughby, Rhian Graham, Milo Ponsford and Jake Skuse.
The T-shirts are different as the colours were reversed and are signed by Banky himself.
The Four gathered in a secret location in Bristol during the trial and were actually presented with the shirts by the elusive artist personally.
Now one unnamed member of the Colston Four is selling their shirt at East Bristol Auctions.
Spokesman Jay Goodman
Browne said: “The toppling of the Edward Colston statue is now regarded by some as one of the defining events of the last decade.
“This shirt – one of only four made – encapsulates that event.
“If Bristol is famous for two things, it’s the toppling of the statue and Banksy, and here we have an item that links the two.
“This isn’t just a shirt, this is a piece of history.
“Banksy collectors can quite easily pick up one of the standard
shirts, but this is the only shirt available that actually belonged to one of the Four and features the alternate artwork. We expect this to get worldwide attention. This shirt is arguably one of Banksy’s most important pieces.”
The shirt is estimated at £15,000 to £20,000 and goes under the hammer at East Bristol Auctions’ first ever Contemporary Art Auction on May 28.
The lot can be viewed on their website bid.eastbristol.co.uk