100,000 join queue to see Banksy's art

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Monday, July 06, 2009
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This is Bristol

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.

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24 Comments

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    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!”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    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”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    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.”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by AmorinBristol, Bristol

    Monday, July 06 2009, 3:59PM

    “D O'nkeyjacket, Dublin , I think I'm in love!”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    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.”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by George, Bristol

    Monday, July 06 2009, 2:15PM

    “What has this got to with Michael Jackson, anyway?”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by George, Bristol

    Monday, July 06 2009, 2:14PM

    “Sophie,

    My mate who lives in London came to see the exhibition. I heard welsh accents in the queue, they might not be living in Bristol. Not everyone who's visited the Exhibition is from Bristol....
    ;)”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Sophie, Switzerland

    Monday, July 06 2009, 2:12PM

    “400,000 people are in bristol
    100,000 join queue,

    Maths lesson - 400,000 divided by 4 = 100,000 = a quarter of the population dooshbags”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Dan, Bristol

    Monday, July 06 2009, 1:43PM

    “Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggggggggg”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by derek, Nürnburg,germany 90478

    Monday, July 06 2009, 1:09PM

    “New it was boring when I wrote it.Wanted to see the reaction.Sackcloth & Ashes again!!!!”

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