LONDON.- Seventeen art works by the celebrated graffiti artist, Banksy, went under the hammer last night (29 March) as part of Bonhams Urban Art Sale, selling for a total of £405,425.

Exceptional prices were achieved for three original works by the artist. Leopard and Barcode, acquired directly from an exhibition entitled Existencilism at the 33 1/3 Gallery, Los Angeles by the present owner and never before been seen at auction, sold for £75,650; Love is in the Air, 2002, £87,650; and Bomb Hugger, £49,250.

Banksy highlights also included Banksy’s Girl and Balloon, 2009, which sold for £73,250; Happy Choppers, £13,125; and Nola, £12,500.

Top prices were also paid for O Anniversario da Meretris, 2008 by Os Gemeos (£73,250); Shepard Fairey’s Take Action, 2005 (£24,375); and an untitled piece by Cyclops (£15,000).

In total, the sale realised £742,550 with 92% sold by value.

Alan Montgomery, Urban Art Specialist at Bonhams, said: "Our results in last night’s auction prove that the demand for works by Banksy is stronger than ever, and the interest in Urban Art continues to grow. It appears that it is now a truly global phenomenon, attracting bidders from around the world. We look forward to our next sale, and intend to include an exciting mix of big names and emerging talent in this rapidly developing area of the art market."