Banksy's Union Jack Vest to Auction at Sotheby's

Banksy's Union Jack stab vest, a piece of art that gained notoriety when worn by Stormzy at Glastonbury in 2018, is set to be auctioned by Sotheby's with an estimated value of £200,000 to £300,000. This vest is one of five unique examples displayed originally during Banksy's 2019 exhibition in Croydon, which commented on the commercialization of his brand and the issues of knife crime in the UK. Sotheby's has described the artwork as a poignant reflection of modern social issues, combining traditional British symbolism with contemporary realities of violence and exclusion. Emma Baker, head of contemporary evening sale at Sotheby's, emphasized the vest's relevance in today's context, stating it encapsulates complex societal themes in a powerful manner. The vest will be on public display at Sotheby's New Bond Street Galleries from October 3 to 9, prior to the auction during Frieze Week. This auction marks the first time such a vest has been offered on the secondary market, highlighting Banksy's continuing impact on contemporary art and culture.