Banksy's Valentine's Day Mural Fractionalized for Public Sale

Banksy's 2023 Valentine's Day mural 'Valentine's Day Mascara' in Margate, UK, depicting domestic violence, is being sold in shares via Showpiece platform. The artwork, valued at $7.64 million, is divided into 27,000 shares at $153 each. The owner of the terraced house commissioned Red Eight Gallery to remove the mural in April 2023, costing nearly $250,000. Since June 11, 2023, it has been displayed at Dreamland Margate amusement park, with an agreement to remain for at least 12 months (aiming for 24). The sale lacks authentication from Banksy's Pest Control, as the studio typically does not authenticate works removed from original context. Despite this, the gallery expects to raise £1-1.5 million. Proceeds will benefit UK charity Refuge and Margate-based Oasis, which supports families fleeing domestic abuse. Showpiece, the fractional ownership platform, opened the sale on August 22, 2023.