I’m Banksy’s best mate… I know why he’s never revealed his identity

By Francine Wolfisz Published: 22:14 EDT, 29 October 2024 | Updated: 22:21 EDT, 29 October 2024 Banksy‘s former agent and photographer has revealed the elusive artist ‘never really got to enjoy the fame he got’ because of his need for anonymity – but it’s also a secret not about to end any time soon. Steve Lazarides worked with the discreet street artist from 1997 to 2008 after the fellow Bristolians met in the late 1990s and discovered they shared a mutual love for graffiti and innovative street art. The 55-year-old, who has previously described those years as ‘glorious’ and a ‘ride’, is now auctioning memorabilia from his time with Banksy, from coveted prints and artwork to drawings and even private correspondence with the artist. More than 170 lots are going under the hammer at Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles on Thursday, with the highest-priced estimate currently reserved for a stencil of a rat holding a drill, which is expected to fetch up to £150,000. His print of the now-famous Girl With Balloon could also fetch £60,000 when it goes under the hammer, experts predict. Since Banksy made his name with his trademark stencil-style ‘guerrilla’ art in public spaces – on...