London, UK – The enigmatic British street artist known as Banksy may soon be compelled to reveal his identity as he finds himself embroiled in a High Court lawsuit, according to recent reports.
Joy Millward, wife of Robin Gunningham, 50, has been named as the first defendant in a High Court lawsuit against “The Artist known as Banksy,” as reported by the Daily Mail.
Originally hailing from the West Midlands, Millward had previously worked as a researcher for English Labour MP Austin Mitchell before founding Principle Affairs, a lobby group for charities. It is believed that she crossed paths with Gunningham around 2003, and the couple reportedly tied the knot in Las Vegas in 2006. Despite residing among neighbors, the couple maintains an aura of secrecy so profound that even those who occasionally interact with them remain unaware of their true identities.
An unnamed source quoted by the Daily Mail remarked, “Even those they occasionally speak to have no idea who they really are. The only people who know his real identity are those in the inner circle, who have been vetted. Some of Joy’s relatives have not been told who her husband is or what he does.”
Banksy’s true identity has remained a perplexing mystery for both the media and the public for years. The artist’s works, often appearing on random building facades, have been known to significantly enhance property values, leaving property owners astounded.
However, this week, the anonymous artist faces the possibility of disclosing his real identity as a result of the High Court case. Rave pioneer and graffiti influencer Andrew Gallagher is suing “The Artist Known as Banksy” for defamation, with Pest Control Ltd, the entity that sells Banksy’s artwork, listed as a co-defendant.
While Gallagher’s legal team has opted to keep case details confidential, citing the need for confidentiality, the courtroom proceedings could potentially force Banksy’s identity into the public sphere.
Over the past three decades, numerous public figures, including Massive Attack singer Robert Del Naja, Gorillaz star Jamie Hewlett, and Art Attack host Neil Buchanan, have been linked to Banksy’s identity. However, the name Robin Gunningham stands out from the rest as the primary defendant in Gallagher’s lawsuit against Banksy.
Cunningham, who hails from Banksy’s hometown of Bristol, has been the subject of past investigations by local media attempting to definitively establish his identity as the elusive artist. Scientists from Queen Mary University once endeavored to link Gunningham to graffiti that appeared in Jamaica in 2004, using a photograph showing a man equipped with stencils, a sketchbook, and spray cans. Despite some resemblance, Banksy and Gunningham’s parents disavowed the connection.
Gunningham himself has maintained a steadfast vow of silence since he was first associated with Banksy, as has his wife Joy Millward. Raised in Bristol’s affluent Clifton district, Gunningham aspired to be an artist from a young age. Former schoolmate Scott Nurse recalled that Gunningham was one of three individuals in their year group who displayed extraordinary talent in art.
Banksy’s debut exhibition took place in Shoreditch in 2001, but he achieved mainstream recognition with his Turf War exhibit a few years later. His notable works include “The Girl with Balloon,” famously shredded at a Sotheby’s auction in London before selling for £18.6 million ($25.4 million). His documentary film, “Exit Through The Gift Shop,” received an Academy Award nomination in 2010. In 2015, he unveiled “Dismaland,” a subversive theme park in Weston-super-Mare, characterized by incongruous art pieces and marketed as “the unhappiest place on Earth.”
Source: with agencies