Banksy’s latest street artwork has key element removed by council

The elusive artist captioned has the piece ‘Valentine’s day mascara’ in an apparent reference to a theme of domestic abuse

A man photographs a new artwork by street artist Banksy, titled 'Valentine's Day Mascara' on the side of a building in Margate, Kent.  Photograph: PA Images
A man photographs a new artwork by street artist Banksy, titled 'Valentine's Day Mascara' on the side of a building in Margate, Kent. Photograph: PA Images

Banksy has claimed a new piece of artwork which appears to have a theme of domestic abuse and fighting violence against women.

The wall painting appears to show a 1950s housewife, wearing a classic blue pinny and yellow washing up gloves, with a swollen eye and a missing tooth seemingly shoving her male partner into a chest freezer.

In a series of photographs posted on his Instagram account, the elusive artist captioned the piece “Valentine’s day mascara” and zoomed in twice to show a close-up of the woman’s smiling but seemingly battered faceThe piece is set on a white wall backdrop, with users online speculating it is off Grosvenor Place in Margate, Kent.

Workers in Margate, Kent removed a chest freezer which formed part of new artwork by street artist Banksy. The piece, titled 'Valentine's Day Mascara', was installed on the side of a building in Margate, Kent. The artwork depicts a 1950's housewife, wearing a classic blue pinny and yellow washing up gloves, with a swollen eye and a missing tooth seemingly shoving her male partner into a chest freezer. Photograph: PA/@danamhiggins
Workers in Margate, Kent removed a chest freezer which formed part of new artwork by street artist Banksy. The piece, titled 'Valentine's Day Mascara', was installed on the side of a building in Margate, Kent. The artwork depicts a 1950's housewife, wearing a classic blue pinny and yellow washing up gloves, with a swollen eye and a missing tooth seemingly shoving her male partner into a chest freezer. Photograph: PA/@danamhiggins

It also features a variety of rubbish on the ground in front of the artwork, including a broken white garden chair, a blue crate and an empty beer bottle.

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However, shortly after the images were posted online, Thanet Council collection workers quickly removed the broken freezer.

Speculation about the post has suggested the Bristol-born artist is referencing fighting violence against women on Valentine’s Day.

In December, the anonymous graffiti artist announced they had created 50 screenprints which would be sold to raise funds for a charity supporting the people of Ukraine.

Banksy showcases new mural in Ukrainian townOpens in new window ]

Banksy previously confirmed they had spent time in Ukraine after posting a video of an artist spray-painting designs in the war-torn country and speaking to locals. - PA