Banksy’s mural Valentine’s Day Mascara was unveiled today at its new home at Dreamland Margate. With help from Turner Contemporary, Red Eight Gallery and Dreamland have collaborated closely to ensure the safe arrival of the artwork originally found on the side of a Margate house on Valentine’s Day
A team of engineers, supported by an art conservator, have worked tirelessly to move the mural from the renowned artist to its new home, preserving the artwork and providing a permanent location for the public to visit. After time in a conservator’s studio, the piece was made ready for its final journey to the amusement park in Margate.
Having been instructed by the homeowner to remove the Banksy artwork it was their wish for it to stay in Margate for as long as possible. Having successfully organised the safe removal I have ultimate admiration for the team involved for the successful delivering of this task, from ADL the building contractors to Arte Conservators who have made it exhibition ready. I am very excited to see it at Dreamland. We are still in conversation with interested parties for the sale of the wall, which will also benefit Oasis Domestic Abuse Service in Margate and hope to be able to make an announcement very soon.
Julian Usher, Red Eight Gallery
Members of the public will be able to view the artwork in Dreamland’s Roller Room from Sunday 11th June 2023.
When Valentine’s Day Mascara was confirmed as an original piece by Banksy we were all thrilled, so imagine our delight and surprise when we were asked if we would like to host the piece at Dreamland. Of course, we jumped at the chance! Now, we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to see the artwork for themselves in its new location of our retro Roller Room.
Eddie Kemsley, CEO Dreamland Margates
The owner of the house on which the artwork was originally created made it clear that they wished for the artwork to remain in Margate and for it to be viewed for free by members of the public. Its installation at Dreamland allows for this to happen, along with the added advantage of it being in a secure, managed location.
The theme of Banksy’s Valentine’s Day Mascara is a commentary on domestic abuse, with the original owner being keen for the relocation of the artwork, and those visiting it, aiding to raise money for a local charity that supports survivors. For this reason, Dreamland has partnered with the charity Oasis Domestic Abuse Service, which supports those affected by domestic abuse in Margate and across East Kent, Medway and North Kent.
Oasis is honoured to be one of Dreamland’s chosen charities for 2023. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring in, helping to raise more awareness of the impact of domestic abuse in our local area, following the move of Banksy’s Valentine’s Day Mascara artwork to the theme park. Support of organisations like Dreamland goes a long way to sustaining our vital work.
Claire Williams, CEO Oasis Domestic Abuse Services
About
Dreamland Margate is a world-class family attraction and live entertainment venue, opposite the golden sands of Margate (Kent), with a specially selected offering of vintage rides, pop-up entertainment, crazy golf, art installations and street food, plus a packed programme of live music and events.
Since reopening in 2015 and expanding in 2017, Dreamland has been delivering exciting experiences for visitors of all ages. In addition to the amusement park, there is also a retro roller room and diner, 1,500 capacity music venue (Hall by The Sea), seafront pub (Cinque Ports), and amusement arcade. Live music also features in the park’s 6000+ open air venue. With excellent road and rail links, Dreamland Margate is less than 90 minutes from central London and is a major part of the on-going transformation of Margate into one of the UK’s trendiest seaside towns.
Sam Mendes’ latest film Empire of Light was filmed at Dreamland and around Margate. Much of Empire of Light was filmed in the beautiful art deco seafront buildings, part of the Dreamland estate. Currently these iconic spaces are empty, however Dreamland has exciting plans to redevelop them as a multi-purpose live entertainment and performance venue. dreamland.co.uk
Red Eight Gallery was founded with a vision to showcase some of the art world’s most exciting emerging contemporary artists alongside more established creatives and blue-chip artists. One of the most satisfying aspects of our work is the thrill of discovering new talent whose pieces can represent an excellent investment for collectors thanks to their potential to significantly increase in value. Alongside these new artists, we acquire outstanding pieces from renowned artists with impeccable pedigree whose work will always be in high demand.
Oasis Domestic Abuse Service has been working with people affected by domestic abuse for nearly 30 years. The charity began with a handful of dedicated people opening a refuge service in 1994. Back then two women a week were being murdered as a result of abuse in the home. Sadly, that statistic remains the same today. Every day the charity’s staff are confronted with the distressing results of this issue on the lives of the adults and children whom they work for.
Today, Oasis delivers services for adults, children and young people affected by domestic abuse in East Kent, Medway and North Kent. The award-winning charity has built an innovative, committed approach to not only intervening, but also preventing these issues in the future. The Early Intervention Programme supports vulnerable children and young people, a dedicated schools programme teaches young people about healthy relationships and Oasis Consults equips and enables professionals in frontline services to understand and recognise signs of domestic abuse and trauma.oasisdaservice.org
