100,000 join queue to see Banksy's art
Bristol grandmother Angela Cattell became the 100,000th visitor to the Banksy exhibition as crowds once again queued to see the street artist's work in the City Museum and Art Gallery.
The phenomenal success of Banksy vs Bristol Museum has seen long lines of people from home and abroad waiting patiently every day to get inside the building.
For Angela, 63, of Stoke Bishop, it was her second visit to the exhibition, which only opened three weeks ago.
But this time she was joined by her daughter, Laura Jackson, and two of her grandchildren, Evie and Joseph, who had travelled from Bournemouth especially to see the collection.
Staff on the entry doors have been recording the visitors every day and knew the landmark figure was about to be reached.
When Angela was counted through, she was presented with a copy of Banksy's own official book, Wall and Piece.
She was also among the first to see a new exhibit which only arrived at the weekend – one of Banksy's works that caused controversy when it was unveiled in 2006 at the Santa's Ghetto show in London. Called Michael Jackson, it resembles a festive scene inspired by Hansel and Gretel with two children apparently being welcomed at a woodland cottage with gifts of sweets.
The main character is the late Jackson, who is seemingly using the sweets to coax the children inside. It was reported at the time that the piece was poking fun at Jackson, who was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005 in a trial.
In the museum it has been placed above a black shelf on which stand several lit candles.
Since opening, the show has been visited by an average of 4,700 people every day and if numbers remain as high, the total could top 350,000 – three times the original estimate.
Angela said: "I was stunned to be the 100,000th visitor but it is an exceptional exhibition. I came to the museum during the first week it was on and thought the display was fabulous. I saw my grandchildren the next day and knew they would be interested in coming along.
"They've been fascinated by the police officer on the rocking horse and I knew they would like things such as the swimming fish fingers. I'm so pleased to have the book and we'll all enjoy looking at it."
The exhibition features more than 100 Banksy works and continues until August 31.













24 Comments
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by D O'nkeyjacket, Dublin
Monday, July 06 2009, 7:02PM
“I thought it was quite a good attempt at an insult, you tool.
AmorinBristol, you would be if you met me!”
by Rhian Turner, Swansea, Wales
Monday, July 06 2009, 4:59PM
“Went to Bristol on Saturday 4th July just to see Banksy's work and was very impressed and really liked the area and would def come back and maybe stay the weekend”
by George, Bristol
Monday, July 06 2009, 4:15PM
“Donkey - Do you have any opinion of your own to add to this debate or just a weak attempt at an insult?
Oh and you're the tool, clearly.”
by AmorinBristol, Bristol
Monday, July 06 2009, 3:59PM
“D O'nkeyjacket, Dublin , I think I'm in love!”
by D O'nkeyjacket, Dublin
Monday, July 06 2009, 3:29PM
“"Changed your tune, BEP. George, Bristol "
I wish you'd change yours you tool.”