A reproduction of a mural created by world-famous graffiti artist Banksy could be unveiled in a coastal town - more than a year after the artwork had been removed from an end terraced house.
The scheme could see a reproduction of the painting - featuring a seagull swooping down to steal some polystyrene chips from a skip below - installed in Lowestoft.
The existing and proposed elevations for the reproduction 'Banksy' mural earmarked for Denmark Road in Lowestoft. Picture: Purple Property (Image: Purple Property)
The popular artwork had become a major attraction in the town after it was created on the side of a privately-owned block of flats on the corner of Denmark Road and Katwijk Way in Lowestoft during Banksy's 'Great British Spraycation' in August 2021.
Work to remove the Banksy seagull mural took place at night. Picture: Oliv3r Drone Photography (Image: Oliv3r Drone Photography) (Image: Oliv3r Drone Photography)
But there was sadness and anger - with claims it was 'being stolen' from Lowestoft - when the artwork was removed by specialist workmen during two late night operations in April and May last year.
The artwork was taken away in two sections - involving a crane and a large low loader lorry - before it was brought to its new nest in an unknown location.
The wall of the house being rebuilt in June 2023 after the Banksy mural was removed. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
After the disappearance of what some onlookers described as the world-famous graffiti artist's "largest ever artwork", John Brandler, a prominent modern art dealer, described the removal of Banksy's seagull installation as a real shame for Lowestoft - admitting: "It has to be worth seven figures - between £1m to £3m."
In February this year the artwork appeared for 'private sale' online - with people given "an exclusive opportunity to acquire 'The Seagull' mural by Banksy."
The end terraced house on the corner of Denmark Road and Katwijk Way in Lowestoft this week - where the Banksy seagull mural had been created in 2021. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
Now, the popular mural could be replicated.
Plans were submitted to East Suffolk Council earlier this month for a scheme centring around: "Provision of reproduction 'Banksy' mural of seagull and skip formed on marine plywood boards fixed to existing gable wall" at the property listed as 32 Denmark Road, Lowestoft.
The end terraced house on the corner of Denmark Road and Katwijk Way in Lowestoft this week - where the Banksy seagull mural had been created in 2021. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
The scheme lodged by agents Purple Property for applicant Taylor Properties Trading Ltd is "awaiting decision" with the council.
'Enhance rather a bland elevation'
A design and access statement said: "During August 2021 Seagull artwork appeared on the gable elevation of 32 Denmark Road, Lowestoft and was later confirmed to be a ‘Banksy’ and formed part of the ‘Great British Spraycation’.
"During 2023 the mural including the majority of the gable wall was removed and replaced with a new cavity brickwork gable.
The proposals lodged for the reproduction 'Banksy' mural earmarked for Denmark Road in Lowestoft. Picture: Purple Property (Image: Purple Property)
"The proposals are to recreate the ‘Banksy’ Seagull Mural utilising painted Marine Plywood boards; to provide a focal point within Lowestoft recreating historical modern art; to provide inspiration, encouragement and achievement to an often forgotten east coast town" and "to enhance rather a bland elevation."
The end terraced house on the corner of Denmark Road and Katwijk Way in Lowestoft this week - where the Banksy seagull mural had been created in 2021. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
With the end of terrace house converted into three flats, it adds: "The gable wall which was reconstructed in 2023 is located in a dominant position being on the corner of Katwijk Way, which forms part of the A47.
"The site on which the property currently stands amounts to approximately 170sq m."
The end terraced house on the corner of Denmark Road and Katwijk Way in Lowestoft this week - where the Banksy seagull mural had been created in 2021. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
A decision is likely to be made by the council in the coming weeks.
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