Banksy unveils new ‘Valentine’s Day Mascara’ mural in Margate

A new artwork has appeared on the side of a building along Grosvenor Place near Margate Fire Station prompting rumours to swarm through the seaside town.

The mural, depicting a woman in a retro 1950s-style outfit complete with a kitchen apron and Marigolds, has now been confirmed to be a genuine Banksy via his Instagram (as of Tuesday 14th February). Titled 'Valentine's Day Mascara', the artwork shows the housewife with a black eye swollen shut and a missing tooth, who has seemingly pushed her male partner into a chest freezer.

Latest Update: A few hours after the artist confirmed the validity of the artwork on their official Instagram account, reports indicate that a major part of the mural (the fridge freezer) has been removed from the site after which it was shortly returned by the Thanet council, and then removed again by a London-based gallery. Currently there is a protective perspex sheet over the mural (16/2/23).

The mural suggests a staunch commentary on domestic violence against women on Valentine's Day. Banksy has addressed violence against marginalised communities in previous artworks and is not one to shy away from political, social, and cultural themes.

It's the first work of art the anonymous British street artist has claimed since his time in Ukraine late last year. Could this mark the beginning of a new body of work stages across the UK?

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence and/or abuse, there are a number of sources of help and advice including:

• The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 run by the charity Refuge.
• Women's Aid - A confidential online chat service for women. The site includes special advice for women and children.
• The Men’s Advice Line - A confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse 0808 801 0327.
• Galop for members of the LGBTQ+ community.