The Hat - Anxiety, oil on panel triptych, the centre panel 82 x 58cm, outer panels each 82 x 33.5cm.

Note: 100% of the hammer price will be donated to the charity.

‘Suffolk Banksy’ painting donated to the Zoological Society of East Anglia goes up for auction

The Zoological Society of East Anglia, the charity which runs Banham Zoo in Norfolk and Africa Alive! in Suffolk, is putting up for auction the artwork donated to them by the elusive Suffolk artist, ‘The Hat’.

‘Anxiety’, an exclusive and stunning triptych painting by the artist, otherwise known as the ‘Suffolk Banksy’ was left at the gates of Banham Zoo under the cover of darkness while the zoo was closed to the public during lockdown one. It is widely speculated that the artist behind the anonymous moniker is global superstar, Ed Sheeran, although this claim is refuted by his team.

Claudia Roberts, Managing Director, said: “Thank you to ‘The Hat’ for such a kind and generous gesture during our time of need. ‘Anxiety’ is a magnificent painting that would make a beautiful addition to any home or private collection – its name is also quite apt given our charity’s circumstances over the last eight months. Part of the charity’s ethos is to provide opportunities to increase social wellbeing through the proven connection between wellbeing, animals and nature”.

The Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA) set up a new fundraising campaign when the pandemic first struck, ‘Wild About Survival’, to help Banham Zoo and Africa Alive! survive the difficult time ahead. The charity is now putting this painting up for auction with all proceeds from the sale of the painting going into this campaign.

Claudia Roberts commented: “Paintings by ‘The Hat’ are currently selling well and some are even being sold for up to £4,000. We have been undecided whether to auction off the painting or keep it for our guests at the zoo to enjoy. By putting it up for auction it means that a lucky member of the public can enjoy it from the comfort of their own home and we also get to raise vital funds”.

The Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA) were forced to close both of their zoos in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. During this time, they lost almost £2 million in visitor income. Although the zoos reopened, the implementation of social distancing measures and limited visitor numbers, in addition to the most recent closure due to lockdown two, the charity is still forecasting a drop in revenue.

See www.banhamzoo.co.uk or www.africa-alive.co.uk or to donate to the ‘Wild About Survival’ fundraising appeal on JustGiving here

For further press information please contact: Ann Scott, Genesis PR: ann.scott@genesispr.co.uk or call 07834 222508

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. In 2019 Africa Alive was named ‘Best Large Visitor Attraction’ at the Norfolk & Suffolk Tourism Awards and Banham Zoo voted Best Animal Day Out in the Eastern Region in the Day Out with Kids Awards. Together they achieved all time visitor records of approaching 400,000 during the year.
2. On an average day in May, Banham Zoo and Africa Alive can expect to welcome 2,000 visitors between them. A number which soars in good weather and during key holiday periods. Since lockdown nine weeks ago, the two attractions have been running on a skeleton staff of dedicated animal keepers, who continue to provide vital care to the animals and have been keeping supporters updated via the charity’s social media.
3. The vision of the Zoological Society of East Anglia, the charitable organisation which was formed in 2013 to secure the long term futures of both attractions is: ‘Our world will be a haven for wildlife and people’.
4. The charity’s mission is ‘Connecting communities to nature for conservation’ and its strategy has three pillars: conservation, education and community.
5. In conservation the charity is currently engaged with protecting the critically endangered blue eyed black lemur in Madagascar and work to locate and protect the saola, an animal that looks like an antelope but is actually more closely related to cattle, in South East Asia.
6. In education the charity is primarily engaging with local schools and visitors to provide a wide range of high quality educational opportunities that are built on a programme of 'Nature Connectedness'. These have the aim of deepening awareness as well as knowledge of biodiversity and they include Key Stage pathways for schools.
7. In community Africa Alive and Banham Zoo empower people to make positive changes in their lives and local communities by promoting the connections between nature and wellbeing.
8. Banham Zoo first opened its doors in 1968 and over 2000 animals are cared for in 50 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens.
9. Africa Alive was purchased in 1991 but kept the name Suffolk Wildlife Park for a number of years before becoming Africa Alive when the Zoological Society of East Anglia was formed in 2013. It is set in 80 acres of stunning countryside in Kessingland near Lowestoft in Suffolk and cares for over 800 animals.
10. A small army of just over 100 volunteers and fundraisers are integral to the successful operations of both Banham Zoo and Africa Alive and their role in helping the charity to rebuild are essential to the survival plan.
11. A fundraising appeal during Covid-19 has raised over £35,000 to date, with many supporters running their own virtual fundraising events in aid of the charity.