Banksy's 'Spy Booth' Receives Grade II Property Status

A new ruling by the Cheltenham city council will ensure that people will be able to enjoy Banksy’s Spy Booth mural for a long time to come. The city has granted the mural — which lives on the side of a private home — Grade II listed property status, meaning that removing or altering the mural in any way is strictly forbidden. The mural depicts three spies equipped with listening devices and surrounding a phone booth, and appeared in April of last year amid controversy over surveillance tactics used by both the National Security Agency and the GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters); the GCHQ is conveniently located close to the mural’s location. Upon news of the property status ruling, Banksy gave a quick interview — in his signature cheeky style — for his website which you can read below.

What do you think about your graffiti being granted Grade II listed status?
It’s surprising because when I did art at school I got an “ungraded.”

What’s the worst thing about street art?
Having to make your mistakes in public.

What’s the best thing about street art?
Having to make your mistakes in public.

What do you think about people selling the art you put on the street?
As a kid I always dreamt of growing up to be a character in Robin Hood. I just never realized I’d end up playing one of the gold coins.