Banksy prints, notes, and burner phones: The anonymous artist’s former agent is saying goodbye to his archive

Banksy prints, handwritten notes, a pair of trainers – and even a collection of “burner phones” – are among scores of items set to be auctioned from “the most definitive archive” of his early work. Steve Lazarides, the anonymous street artist’s former agent and photographer, is auctioning artwork and other mementos amassed over more than 10 years of collaboration from the late 1990s. He has held on to his collection since he and Banksy parted ways, but told Sky News it is now time “to move on”. The sale is estimated to make $2m (about £1.54m). Julien’s, in California, will host the auction of more than 170 lots, including proof prints of famous works such as Love Is In The Air, Girl With Balloon, and several Rude Coppers, as well as a pair of special edition “owned and worn” Puma trainers (UK size 9, if that reveals anything) and 15 “burner phones used… to covertly contact Banksy when necessary”, including Nokia, Sony and Motorola models. Image: These Puma trainers have ‘Turf War’ embroidered on the heels, and ‘Banksy’ inside. Pic: Julien’s/Steve Lazarides The term burner phone is slang for a typically cheap, pay-as-you-go mobile that can not easily be traced...