Art / banksy
Banksy painting featuring House of Commons ruled by monkeys returns to Bristol
A group of French students gazed up at Banksy’s angel with a paint pot on her head on Thursday morning, their teacher oblivious to another Banksy that had only a few hours earlier been installed in Bristol Museum.
Like Angel Bust, the painting – called Devolved Parliament – featured in Banksy vs Bristol Museum that took place in 2009.
The official reason for the return – for at least five months – of Banksy’s largest-known work on canvas is to mark the 10-year anniversary of that exhibition.
But its subject matter is very much a critique of the current shenanigans going on inside the House of Commons chamber.
Devolved Parliament shows MPs on both the Government and opposition benches, and also the people in the public gallery, being replaced by monkeys.
Bristol Museum exhibition curator Philip Walker said: “When this work was shown 10 years ago it caused a real stir and was one of the highlights of the Banksy vs Bristol Museum exhibition.
“It feels like a timely chance to revisit the work and a great opportunity to share Banksy’s largest-known work on canvas with the public again.”
Bristol Museums Development Trust trustee Yoma Smith said that “art is an artist’s reflection of society and we seek to promote great art both traditional and contemporary. It’s fantastic to see Devolved Parliament on display again in the museum.”
Devolved Parliament will be on display at Bristol Museum for at least five months
Kathryn Davis, head of tourism at Destination Bristol, added: “Banksy versus Bristol Museum was a game changer for Bristol and the catalyst in cementing the city’s reputation as an international destination for street art.
“Visitors come from all over the world, inspired by seeking out Banksy creations but also to discover artwork that’s a legacy of See No Evil and Upfest along with work by local artists.”
Read more: Banksy artwork shreds itself after £1m auction sale
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