Police Kids, 2005
Editions: 350 signed, 350 unsigned
‘A lot of parents will do anything for their children,
except let them be themselves.’
Police Kids, also known as Jack and Jill, portrays two innocent, carefree, and seemingly happy children running together. At first glance, the image appears picturesque and innocent, until the viewer sees their bulletproof vests with “POLICE” emblazoned in capital letters across their chests. The children seem to be running and floating within a blocked sky blue background giving a sense of absolute liberty. Furthermore, the dark blue background gives a feeling of freedom, and yet the children are wearing bulletproof police vests. A classic subversion technique employed by Banksy to let the viewer know that all is not always what it seems to be… The jarring aesthetic of children in bulletproof police jackets is at odds with the supposed freedom and innocence of childhood.
Police Kids (Pink AP), 2005
Edition: 22 signed AP
As it is often the case, this work leads to many different interpretations. It could be referring to the fact that some overbearing parents feel the need to over-protect their children and don’t let them be who they want to be. More widely, one could see a possible metaphor for the way in which law enforcement is restricting people’s freedom.
The names of the children are based on the nursery rhyme “Jack and Jill went up the hill.” In the rhyme the children go up the hill and fall. Childhood should be a time to explore and be carefree. Maybe life should be a time for all to explore freely…
DESCRIPTION
Police Kids, Jack and Jill
Year: 2004
Medium: Screen-print in colors on wove paper
Size: 50×70 cm (19 3/4 x 27 1/2 inches)
Publisher: Pictures on Walls
Editions
Signed Edition: 350
Unsigned Edition: 350
Artist’s Proof Edition
Pink Edition: 22 signed AP
Numbering and Signature
Numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Signed and dated in pencil, lower right (signed edition)
AUCTION RESULTS
Updated as of 30 June 2022
1. Police Kids (unsigned)
Police Kids (unsigned), 2005
Numbered 227/350 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Sotheby’s online, 26 April 2022
GBP 40,320 / USD 50,803
Police Kids (unsigned), 2005
Numbered 52/350 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Christie’s online, 15 March 2022
GBP 40,320 / USD 53,222
Police Kids (unsigned), 2005
Numbered 172/350 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left
Christie’s online, 23 September 2021
GBP 43,750 / USD 60,813
Police Kids (unsigned), 2005
Numbered 339/350 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Bonhams London, 21 February 2021
GBP 44,000 / USD 62,120
2. Police Kids (signed)
Police Kids (signed), 2005
Signed and dated in pencil, lower right
Numbered 62/350 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left
Sotheby’s online, 26 April 2022
GBP 52,920 / USD 66,679
Police Kids (signed), 2005
Signed and dated in pencil, lower right
Numbered 226/350 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left
Bonhams London, 3 March 2022
GBP 81,100 / USD 110,840
Police Kids (signed), 2005
Signed and dated in pencil, lower right
Numbered 302/350 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left
Sotheby’s online, 17 September 2021
GBP 63,000 / USD 87,570
Police Kids (signed), 2005
Signed and dated in pencil, lower right
Numbered 102/350 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Heritage Auctions, 22 April 2021
GBP 62,950 / USD 87,500
Police Kids (signed), 2005
Signed and dated in pencil
Numbered 161/350 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
Sotheby’s online, 18 March 2021
GBP 94,500 / USD 131,355
Police Kids (signed), 2005
Signed and dated in pencil, lower right
Numbered 157/350 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Sotheby’s online, 18 September 2020
GBP 63,000 / USD 81,900
