Banksy wall could fetch £200,000

The Banksy artwork was painted in daylight behind a screen

A businessman is hoping to make over £200,000 by selling a wall which was painted on by graffiti artist Banksy.

The graffiti, on the side of a media production firm's base on west London's Portobello Road, shows a painter finishing off the word "Banksy".

Company owner Luti Fagbenle covered it with plastic and put the wall on an internet auction site.

"I wanted to keep it, but maintaining it against the weather became a full time job," he said.

Scaffolding appeared one Sunday morning in September outside Mr Fagbenle post-production editing company, while the Portobello market was open.

The "engineers" refused to say what it was for. A few hours later the scaffolding was removed, revealing Banksy's work.

Banksy painted on and around the Israeli security wall last year

The reclusive artist has refused to comment on the sale, but a representative has confirmed it is genuine.

His work has grown in popularity. Brad Pitt and Christina Aguilera are among celebrity collectors.

Last year one of his works, Space Girl and Bird, sold for £288,000.

Bobby Read, art expert at specialist insurer Hiscox, said: "This sale confirms Banksy as a modern-day cross between Michelangelo and the Scarlet Pimpernel.

"2008 starts where 2007 left off with Banksy making headlines."

The eBay sale has received 67 bids so far, with the top bid at over £200,000.