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Donut, 2009

BY

Donut (Chocolate), 2009
Edition: 299 signed
 
Donut features a donut covered in sprinkles sitting on top of a police van, escorted by police officers on motorbikes. The blue and red flashing lights of the police vehicles are among the few splashes of color. Obviously, just like a dignitary, the donut is heavily protected by the police. The convoy with motorbikes evokes the motorcade that traditionally escorts and protects American heads of state. Some have seen reference to Kennedy’s embarrassing blunder when he said: “Ich bin ein Berliner” in a speech during a visit to Berlin, which literally translates into: “I am a donut”. As we will see below, this is a tenacious urban legend that never happened. However, as it is often the case with Banksy’s work, it can be seen as an historical reference as well.
Donut (Strawberry), 2009
Edition: 299 signed
Banksy‘s relationship with law enforcement is obviously a nuanced one, and this topic is a recurring topic within his oeuvre. Donut could be a satirical suggestion that the police would prioritize the safety of their snacks (or their benefits, generally) over the safety of the population they are supposed to protect. Indeed, police officers are often stereotyped and ridiculed in America for their love of donuts, as commonly portrayed on TV and cinema. The artwork parodies this theme, calling into question the ethics and values of law enforcement seemingly protecting what they hold most dear.
Strawberry Donut Original, exhibited at Banksy vs. Bristol Museum, 2009
Alternatively, it could have a broader meaning. If one assumes the donut could be a symbol of American consumerism, then law enforcement clearly appears to be protecting and revering this icon of Western society’s consumerism.
Coming back to the urban legend about Kennedy, and in an effort to clarify historical facts…
“Ich bin Ein Berliner” (“I am a Berliner“) is a famous speech pronounced by US President John F. Kennedy on June 26, 1963, in West Berlin. It is widely regarded as the best-known speech of the Cold War period, and the most famous anti-communist speech. President Kennedy aimed to underline the support of the United States for West Germany, 22 months after the Berlin Wall was erected. It was a great morale boost for West Berliners, who lived in an enclave inside East Germany and feared a possible East German occupation. The message was aimed as much at the Soviets as it was at Berliners and was a clear statement of U.S. policy in the wake of the construction of the Berlin Wall.
Speaking to an audience of 120,000, from a platform erected on the steps of Rathaus Schoneberg, President Kennedy used the phrase twice in his speech, including at the end, pronouncing the sentence with his Boston accent and reading from his note “ish bin ein Bearleener”, which he had written out using English orthography to approximate the German pronunciation.
There is a widespread misconception amongst non-German-speaking countries that the phrase was used incorrectly and actually means “I am a doughnut”. Even though, it is not factually true, it has become something of an urban legend, including equally incorrect claims about the audience’s laugh at Kennedy’s use of the phrase.

RELEASE HISTORY

Donut (Strawberry) then Donut (Chocolate) were each released as editions of 299 signed prints, as reference to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts’ financial troubles in 2007, when it had to shut down 299 stores. 
Those prints were made using an exceptionally fine screen to preserve all the cack-handed detail. Due to the high demand for previous Banksy prints, Donut was only made available through an automated reservation service. The computer randomly selected 598 names who were offered first refusal to buy a print. It was stated that the purpose of this system was to give everyone the same opportunity to get a print, to discourage flipping and because the artist insisted on selling items below their alleged market value. A portion of proceeds from this sale went to charitable causes.

DESCRIPTION

Donut

Year: 2009
Medium: Screen-print in colors on Arches wove paper
Size: 56×76 cm (22×30 inches)
Publisher: Pictures on Walls

Editions

Donut (Strawberry): 299 signed
Donut (Chocolate): 299 signed
Hand-finished Edition: 25 signed hand-finished

Signature and Numbering

Donut (Strawberry)
Signed and numbered /299 in pink crayon with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left
Donut (Chocolate)
Signed and Numbered /299 in brown crayon with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left

AUCTION RESULTS

1. Donut (Strawberry)

Donut (Strawberry) sold twice at auction in 2024, both at Forum Auctions, on 11 June 2024, for GBP 34,840 (USD 44,421), and on 30 January 2024, for GBP 46,900 (USD 59,480).

Donut (Strawberry) sold 3 times at auction in 2023 for a total turnover of GBP 124,260 (USD 153,179) at an average price of GBP 41,420 (USD 51,060). It sold for its highest price of GBP 46,900 (USD 57,687) in 2023 at Forum Auctions on 31 January 2023.

Donut (Strawberry) sold 3 times at auction in 2022 for a total turnover of GBP 136,735 (USD 165,291) at an average price of GBP 45,578 (USD 55,097). It sol for its highest price in 2022 at Forum Auctions, on 25 April 2022 for GBP 58,960 (USD 74,290).

Donut (Strawberry) sold 8 times at auction in 2021 for a total turnover of GBP 631,698 (USD 873,126) at an average price of GBP 78,962 (USD 109,141). It sold for its highest price in 2021, and its world auction record at Forum Auctions, on 25 April 2021 for GBP 120,600 (USD 167,634).

 

2024 Auction Results

Donut (Strawberry) sold twice at auction in 2024, both at Forum Auctions, on 11 June 2024, for GBP 34,840 (USD 44,421), and on 30 January 2024, for GBP 46,900 (USD 59,480).

Forum Auctions: 11 June 2024
Estimated: GBP 28,000 – 35,000
GBP 26,000 (Hammer)
GBP 34,840 / USD 44,421

BANKSY (b.1974)
Donuts (Strawberry) (signed), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches paper
Signed in pink crayon, numbered from the edition of 299 with the publisher’s blindstamp

Forum Auctions: 30 January 2024
Estimated: GBP 26,000 – 32,000
GBP 35,000 / USD 44,388 (HAMMER)
GBP 46,900 / USD 59,480

BANKSY (b.1974)
Donuts (Strawberry) (Signed), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches paper
Signed in pink crayon and numbered from the edition of 299 with the publisher’s blindstamp

2023 Auction Results

Donut (Strawberry) sold 3 times at auction in 2023 for a total turnover of GBP 124,260 (USD 153,179) at an average price of GBP 41,420 (USD 51,060). It sold for its highest price of GBP 46,900 (USD 57,687) in 2023 at Forum Auctions on 31 January 2023.

Forum Auctions: 24 May 2023
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 40,000
Hammer: GBP 34,000
GBP 45,560 / USD 56,344

BANKSY
Donut (Strawberry), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed in pink crayon, lower right
Numbered in pencil from the edition of 299

Bonhams London: 29 March 2023
Estimated: GBP 35,000 – 50,000
GBP 31,800 / USD 39,148

BANKSY
Donuts (Strawberry), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed and numbered 224/299 in pink crayon with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left

Forum Auctions: 31 January 2023
Estimated: GBP 35,000 – 50,000
GBP 46,900 / USD 57,687
HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR DONUT (STRAWBERRY) IN 2023

BANKSY
Donut (Strawberry), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed in pink crayon, lower left
Numbered in pink crayon with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left

2022 Auction Results

Donut (Strawberry) sold 3 times at auction in 2022 for a total turnover of GBP 136,735 (USD 165,291) at an average price of GBP 45,578 (USD 55,097). It sold for its highest price in 2022 at Forum Auctions, on 25 April 2022 for GBP 58,960 (USD 74,290).

Bonhams London: 13 December 2022
Estimated: GBP 20,000 – 30,000
GBP 29,595 / USD 36,622 

BANKSY
Donuts (Strawberry), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed and numbered 281/299 in pink crayon, the signature faded

Bonhams London: 20 October 2022
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 48,180 / USD 54,379

BANKSY (born 1974)
Donuts (Strawberry), 2009
Screenprint in colors
signed and numbered 221/299 in pink crayon, with the publisher’s blindstamp

Forum Auctions: 25 April 2022
Estimated: GBP 55,000 – 80,000
GBP 58,960 / USD 74,290
HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR DONUT (STRAWBERRY) IN 2022

BANKSY (b.1974)
Donuts (Strawberry) (Signed), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches 88 wove paper
Signed and numbered from the edition of 299 in pink crayon, with the publisher’s blindstamp

 

2021 Auction Results

Donut (Strawberry) sold 8 times at auction in 2021 for a total turnover of GBP 631,698 (USD 873,126) at an average price of GBP 78,962 (USD 109,141). It sold for its highest price in 2021, and its world auction record at Forum Auctions, on 25 April 2022 for GBP 120,600 (USD 167,634).

 

Bonhams London: 11 November 2021
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 69,000 / USD 93,150

BANKSY (b. 1974)
Donuts (Strawberry), 2009
Screenprint in colors
Signed and numbered 132/299 in pink crayon with the publisher’s blindstamp

Phillips Hong-Kong: 7 June 2021
Estimated: HKD 300,000 – 500,000
HKD 819,000 / USD 106,000 /GBP 74,648
BANKSY
Donut (Strawberry), 2009
Screenprint in colors
Signed in pink crayon, lower left
Numbered 55/299 in pink crayon with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left

Forum Auctions: 5 March 2021
Estimated: GBP 65,000 – 80,000
GBP 120,600 / USD 167,634
WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR DONUT (STRAWBERRY)

BANKSY (b.1974)
Donuts (Strawberry), 2009
Screenprint in colors
Signed and numbered from the edition of 299 in pink crayon, with the blindstamp

Phillips London: 21 January 2021
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 75,600 / USD 103,572

BANKSY
Donuts (Strawberry), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches 88 paper
Signed and numbered 21/299 in pink pencil, with the publisher’s blindstamp

 

2. Donut (Chocolate)

Donut (Chocolate) sold twice at auction in 2024, at Artcurial on 6 November 2024 for EUR 34,112 (USD 37,300), and at Christie’s online on 1 October 2024 for GBP 32,760 (USD 43,571).

Donut (Chocolate) sold twice at auction in 2023, at Sotheby’s London on 26 September 2023 for GBP 27,940 (USD 33,986), and at Christie’s online on 14 March 2023 for GBP 56,700 (USD 69,741).

Donut (Chocolate) sold 5 times at auction in 2022 for a total turnover of GBP 351,299 (USD 451,994) at an average price of GBP 70,260 (USD 90,399). It sold for its highest price of GBP 88,200 (USD 116,424) at Christie’s online on 15 March 2022.

Donut (Chocolate) sold 10 times at auction in 2021 for a total turnover of GBP 754,781 (USD 1,045,326) at an average price of GBP 75,478 (USD 104,533). It sold for its highest price, and world auction record of GBP 100,800 (USD 140,112) at Sotheby’s online on 18 March 2021.

2024 Auction Results

Donut (Chocolate) sold twice at auction in 2024, at Artcurial on 6 November 2024 for EUR 34,112 (USD 37,300), and at Christie’s online on 1 October 2024 for GBP 32,760 (USD 43,571).

 

Artcurial: 6 November 2024
Estimated: EUR 25,000 – 35,000
EUR 34,112 / USD 37,300

BANKSY
Donuts Chocolate, 2009
Screen print in colors on paper
Signed and numbered 67/299

Christie’s online: 1 October 2024
Estimated: GBP 25,000 – 35,000
GBP 32,760 / USD 43,571

BANKSY
Donuts (Chocolate), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed and numbered 069/299 in brown crayon with the artist’s blindstamp

2023 Auction Results

Donut (Chocolate) sold twice at auction in 2023, at Sotheby’s London on 26 September 2023 for GBP 27,940 (USD 33,986), and at Christie’s online on 14 March 2023 for GBP 56,700 (USD 69,741).

 

Sotheby’s London: 26 September 2023
Estimated: GBP 18,000 – 25,000
GBP 27,940 / USD 33,986

BANKSY (b. 1974)
Donuts Chocolate, 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed in brown crayon and numbered 145/299

Christie’s Online: 14 March 2023
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 56,700 / USD 69,741

BANKSY
Donuts (Chocolate), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed and numbered 187/299 in brown crayon

2022 Auction Results

Donut (Chocolate) sold 5 times at auction in 2022 for a total turnover of GBP 351,299 (USD 451,994) at an average price of GBP 70,260 (USD 90,399). It sold for its highest price of GBP 88,200 (USD 116,424) at Christie’s online on 15 March 2022.

 

Sotheby’s online: 27 August 2022
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 50,400 / USD 60,480

BANKSY
Donuts Chocolate, 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed in brown crayon, lower left
Numbered 162/299 in brown crayon, with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left

Sotheby’s online: 26 April 2022
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 69,300 / USD 87,318

BANKSY
Donut (Chocolate), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed in brown crayon, lower left
Numbered 189/299 in brown crayon with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left
Christie’s online: 15 March 2022
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 88,200 / USD 116,424
HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR DONUT (CHOCOLATE) IN 2022

BANKSY
Donut (Chocolate), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed in brown crayon, lower left
Numbered 272/299 in brown crayon with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left

2021 Auction Results

Donut (Chocolate) sold 10 times at auction in 2021 for a total turnover of GBP 754,781 (USD 1,045,326) at an average price of GBP 75,478 (USD 104,533). It sold for its highest price, and world auction record of GBP 100,800 (USD 140,112) at Sotheby’s online on 18 March 2021.

Christie’s online: 23 September 2021
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000

GBP 50,000 / USD 69,500

BANKSY (b.1974)
Donut (Chocolate), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed in brown crayon, lower left
Numbered 183/299 in brown crayon with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left


Sotheby’s New-York: 23 July 2021
Estimated: USD 60,000 – 80,000
USD 88,200

BANKSY (b.1974)
Donuts (Chocolate), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed in brown crayon and numbered 105/299, with the publisher’s blindstamp

Bonhams online: 29 June 2021
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 75,250 / USD 104,082

BANKSY (b. 1974)
Donuts (Chocolate), 2009
Screenprint in colors on wove paper
Signed and numbered 111/299 in brown crayon, with the publisher’s blindstamp

Christie’s New-York: 16 April 2021
Estimated: USD 60,000 – 80,000
USD 81,250

BANKSY (B. 1974)
Donuts (Chocolate), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches paper
Signed in brown crayon, numbered 128/299, with the publisher’s blindstamp

Sotheby’s online: 18 March 2021
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 100,800 / USD 140,112
WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR DONUT (CHOCOLATE)

BANKSY (b. 1974)
Donuts Chocolate, 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches wove paper
Signed in brown crayon, numbered 280/299, with the publisher’s blindstamp

Phillips London: 21 January 2021
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 69,300 / USD 94,941

BANKSY
Donuts (Chocolate), 2009
Screenprint in colors on Arches 88 paper
Signed and numbered 166/299 in brown pencil, with the publisher’s blindstamp

3. Donut (Hand-Finished)

 Sotheby’s online, 26 April 2022
Estimated: GBP 110,000 – 150,000
GBP 277,200 / USD 349,272
BANKSY
Hand-Finished Donut (Strawberry), 2009
Unique screen-print in colors with hand-coloring
Signed in pink crayon with the artist’s heart annotation, lower left
Forum Auctions: 14 December 2021
Estimated: 80,000 – 120,000
GBP 111,220 / USD 150,147

BANKSY (b.1974)
Donuts (Special Edition – Chocolate) (Hand-coloured and Signed), 2009
The rare and important screenprint with extensive hand-coloring in colored pencil on Arches 88 wove paper
Signed and inscribed ‘Thanks Kevin ?’ in brown pencil
A proof aside from the edition of 25

Forum Auctions: 7 December 2020
Estimated: 80,000 – 120,000
GBP 254,600 / USD 341,164

BANKSY (b.1974)
Donuts (Special Edition – Chocolate), 2009
The rare and important screenprint with extensive hand-coloring in colored pencil on Arches 88 wove paper
Signed and numbered from the edition of 25 in orange crayon

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