This is the new work of Banksy 0:35
(Reuters) --
British street artist Banksy confirmed that a new mural depicting a 1950s housewife with a swollen eye and apparently pushing a man into an abandoned freezer was his work early this morning. Valentine's Day, hours before it was removed.
The work, which Banksy titled "Valentine's day mascara" on his website, appeared in the eastern English seaside town of Margate on Sunday night.
Her subject matter and the timing of her appearance seem to highlight violence against women.
Banksy offers few clues about his work, which often appears in public places overnight, beyond a confirmation on social media.
Artist Pete Brown was painting the scene when the actual freezer, which was part of the mural, was removed Tuesday morning.
The artwork appeared on the Sunday night before Valentine's Day.
Credit: VALENTINE'S DAY MASCARA @BANKS/Reuters
"A council truck turned up and took the freezer away," he said, adding that the vehicle had emergency lights and a metal cage typical of those used to clean landfills.
Thanet District Council said the graffiti was on a wall on private property but the freezer, believed to be part of the facility, had been removed by council workers for security reasons as it was in public roads.
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"The freezer is in storage and will be returned once it is safe for the public," the council stated.
"We will contact the property owner to discuss options for preserving the artwork for the district."
Brown, who was visiting Margate from Bath, said he had come to the town to paint the sea, but after coming across the mural he had spent his time painting a wall scene instead.
Lee Hilton, a local resident, said that he loved art and was very glad that it had appeared.
"I always thought maybe someone could put a mural on the wall, but I never expected a Banksy," he said.
Hilton said she had seen a van pull up Sunday night and they had covered the area with a tarp.
When she woke up on Monday, the mural was there.
But he did not get to see the elusive artist, saying that even if he had, he would not have wanted to give away his identity.
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