Banksy show big draw for museum

'Banksy effect' good for Bristol

Visitor numbers at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery have shot up from 1,000-per-day to 5,500 since the Banksy exhibition started.

The show, featuring work from the Bristolian street artist, opened at the museum shrouded in secrecy.

But it has proved a popular draw for visitors with queues along the road every day.

The graffiti artist is now to donate one of the works to the museum when the exhibition closes at the end of August.

The director of the museum, Kate Brindley, said: "They're increasing every day so we're having queues all the way past the university building.

"We're having 5,500-per-day - I'm sure it'll go up. We're thinking about doing some late nights as well to help get enough people through."

Patience needed

Ms Brindley added the museum was having to limit the numbers of people allowed in at once.

"There's no sign that the interest is waning - it's growing so we've got to ask for people's patience because the building can take only so many.

"We're having to be a bit careful about crowds. We're getting people through as fast as possible."

She also revealed that, despite reports to the contrary, some of Banksy's pieces at the exhibition are for sale.

"It's not widely known that they are for sale but I do understand one or two pieces have had interest from buyers.

"That is something his agents are negotiating with people on."