The Banksy Story

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The story of Banksy's rise from secretive street artist to international icon.

The story of Banksy's rise, the stunts, the culture and the story of how the work became so valuable.

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The Banksy Story: 5. Crude Oils

5. Crude Oils

BBC Radio 4 - The Banksy Story, 5. Crude Oils

Banksy from hood rat to art hero. A new exhibition featuring 200 live rats? Err OK...

James Peak tells the story of how Banksy went from wall-spraying hood rat, to the most famous, and infamous, artist in the world. A new exhibition? With 200 live rats? Err - OK...

James Peak isn't an art critic, or even a journalist. He's a Banksy super-fan, and in this series he, and his soundman Duncan, get closer than close to Banksy's secret world - telling the story of the graffiti kid who made spraying walls into high art, the household name who is completely anonymous, the cultural phenomenon who bites the hand that feeds him. 

James persuades a member of Banksy's secret team – someone who worked closely with the artist when they were starting to cut through – to talk about the experience. The story that results is a rollercoaster ride.

In this episode, Banksy's new show, Crude Oils, stars 200 live rats scuttling about the gallery floor. It certainly brings in the crowds.

Written, Produced and Presented by James Peak
Sound & Commentary: Duncan Crowe.
Voices: Keith Wickham & Harriet Carmichael
Music: Alcatraz Swim Team & Lilium
Series Mixing: Neil Churchill
Executive Producer: Philip Abrams
With special thanks to Hadrian Briggs, Pete Chinn, Patrick Nguyen, John Higgs and Steph Warren.

An Essential Radio production for BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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The Banksy Story

5. Crude Oils

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