Yahoo News Banksy mural unveiled in west London after being hidden for months by scaffolding
A Banksy mural has been unveiled in west London after being hidden for months behind scaffolding.
The piece of art was previously covered behind building works in Notting Hill.
The unveiling follows the publication of a new book which claims to show images of the elusive Banksy working on some of his most famous murals.
Last month, Banksy opened his own homeware store in London following a legal dispute with a greetings card company.
The work - known variously as the Graffiti Painter, The Painter or Velazquez - shows an artist, thought to be Spanish painter Diego Velazquez, with an easel writing "Banksy" in large red letters.
It was painted on the corner of Acklam Road and Portbello Road in 2008, but was covered after developer Enstar Capital refurbished the property to make luxury flats.
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"It is a lovely feature for the building and a lovely feature in Notting Hill which has retained its Londonness," said Enstar Capital chief executive Simon Lyons.
"One of the reasons I bought the building was that there was a Banksy there - it gave it that iconic profile.
“So while I think the prices for Banksy are nonsensical, you could say I was a fan in some ways."
The developer originally wanted to move the Banksy artwork but decided it was too risky. It remains in its original position behind glass and is floodlit.
A one-bedroom flat in the development is worth just under £1 million, Mr Lyons said.
"Would I love it if Banksy came and did it on the building where I live? Probably not," he said.
