Banksy painting to go under the hammer for NHS

A painting by the still-unidentified British street artist Banksy is expected to raise more than 3 million pounds ($4.1 million) for the National Health Service when it goes to auction later this month.

The artwork, titled Game Changer, first appeared in Southampton General Hospital on May 6, 2020, during the first wave of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The painting shows a young boy playing with superhero dolls. While Batman and Spider-Man lie discarded in a bin, the child clutches a masked nurse dressed in the uniform of the International Red Cross flying to the rescue, her cape fluttering and arm outstretched toward the sky.

The artist is now auctioning the original canvas with proceeds benefiting the NHS.

A reproduction of the work will remain on view in the hospital.

Auction house Christie’s said the painting “offers an image of hope” and “represents a personal tribute to those who continue to turn the tide of the pandemic”.

When the picture was first unveiled, an accompanying note said: “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it’s only black and white.”

The auction house said until now, the work has only been seen in person by frontline medical staff and those admitted to hospital for treatment. The auction marks Game Changer’s first appearance outside the hospital.

The painting has a presale estimate of 2.5 million to 3.5 million pounds.

Katharine Arnold, co-head of Post-War and Contemporary Art, Europe at Christie’s, said: “At a time when we can dare to hope once more, and look at life beyond the pandemic, it is important to reflect on the many symbols of strength and hope we have seen internationally since the beginning of 2020.

“Banksy’s Game Changer was a beacon of light for the staff and patients at Southampton General Hospital and it was the artist’s wish to then auction it with proceeds benefiting the NHS. The work pays tribute to the strength and resilience of those who have demonstrated true leadership throughout the pandemic, the staff of our vital NHS, the nation’s true heroes.”

The work can be seen from the Duke Street Gallery window at Christie’s Headquarters in London until March 15, ahead of the auction on March 23.

ANDREW MATTHEWS / PA VIA AP A hospital worker has his photo taken with Game Changer in May last year. The Banksy work is being auctioned.