Banksy painting honoring UK health workers raises $23 million

• Banksy is a graffiti artist behind the masterpiece, “Game Changer.”
• The painting was sold at an auction at Christie’s in London for $23 million.
• The proceeds will go to public health charities across the UK.

A Banksy painting honoring healthcare workers was sold for $23,176,314 during an auction at Christie’s in London. According to the charity, the proceeds will benefit British public health charities to enhance the care and treatment facilities provided by the NHS.

The black and white painting illustrates a young boy sitting on the floor playing with a nurse superhero, as Spiderman and Batman toy figures rest in a basket right next to him. 

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The masterpiece, with the title “Game Changer,” was a gift by the graffiti artist to University Hospital Southampton in England back in May 2020, during the first wave of the pandemic.

It went with a simple, personal note from Banksy saying, “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it’s only black and white.”

The painting was originally put up at the entrance of the hospital’s emergency department, with the hopes to inspire and lift the healthcare workers’ spirits up while battling the pandemic.

Being one of the beneficiaries of the charity proceeds, University Hospital Southampton Interim CEO David French shared how such a gift will mean so much for their workers as they heal and recover from the health crisis.

“As a charitable gift it ensures our staff have a say in how money is spent to benefit them, our patients and our community and is a fantastic way to thank and reward them for the sacrifices they’ve made,” David shared.

A replica of the painting remains on display at the University Hospital Southampton, to continue to boost the morale of its nurses and healthcare personnel.

Source: PEOPLE.com