Thousands flock to Banksy Pub

The Library pub got a creative makeover by art group Crazy Fools

A PREVIOUSLY unseen work by graffiti artist Banksy was the star attraction as an urban art collective took over a pub for the weekend.

Around 2,000 people flocked to see Banksy's Portrait of an Artist as part of an exhibition by cutting edge Bristol-based collective Crazy Fools in The Library, in Upper Street, Islington, on Saturday and Sunday.

The Banksy on show at the pub

The "pop-up" show saw Bristol's best urban artists transform the pub with live art installations in the garden and large inflatable tentacles billowing from the windows.

Paul Villalba, 36, of Crazy Fools, said: "We thought it would be the perfect place because where do people like to go? They like to go to the pub.

"I'm happy with the way it looks. It's not all white walls like a normal art gallery and it's been an absolute success. I'm over the moon."

Mr Villalba acknowledged the significance of using Banksy's work, but said he wants his online gallery to stand on its own two feet without the celebrity name.

"People do come in for the Banksy piece but they actually spend more time seeing other stuff," he said.

"We used the Banksy name on the flier to establish ourselves but I think we've made enough of an impression to do it next time without."

DNT, 34, one of the artists whose work was exhibited at the show, said the pub location allowed more people to appreciate the accessibility of urban art.

"Banksy's opened up urban art and made it more acceptable," he said.

"He's almost legitimised it. People now look at our style in a new way and give it more respect."

Susie Ponter, 45, a visitor to the show, said: "I saw the blow up things outside and thought I'd come and see what was going on.

"I'd heard of Banksy before but I like some of the other works. They're very interesting."

The Library's manager Giulio Cassini, 35, said: "It's amazing, something very different. Everyone thinks it's great."

Three art installations created on Saturday will remain in the pub's garden until Crazy Fools return for another exhibition on December 12.