Banksy v Warhol: Gallery stages a contest

A new exhibition pits the genius of the late American Andy Warhol against Britain's contemporary iconoclast, graffiti artist Banksy.

More than 40 works will be on display at The Hospital gallery and club in Covent Garden in a show called Warhol Vs Banksy.

Duncan Cargill, The Hospital's creative director, said: "Implicitly, Warhol is defending his title, but Banksy makes for a formidable challenger as he has received maximum exposure since 2000.

"As soon as we announced we were going to do this show I received emails from people all over the country who revealed they had fantastic [Banksy] work, and would we be interested in showing it. They were very different from the collectors who have lent Warhols."

Among the highlights are four portraits by Warhol of the individual Beatles that have never been seen in Britain. The artist met the band when they were together, but the work dates from after their split.

The exhibition showcases work which demonstrates how Banksy was influenced and inspired by Warhol.

This includes portraits of Kate Moss that echo Warhol's iconic pictures of Marilyn Monroe from more than 40 years ago. Banksy created a version of the Queen, albeit with a monkey face, just as Warhol produced screenprints of her. He also produced images of Tesco's own-brand soup tins in homage to Warhol's Campbell's soup paintings.

However, there is at least one difference between the two: whereas Warhol was at the hub of New York society, Bristol-born Banksy likes to keep a low profile.

Mr Cargill said: "Both artists are seminal cultural commentators. What interests me is how they managed to communicate so fluently with the social culture of their periods."

Warhol Vs Banksy is at The Hospital, Endell Street, from Friday until 1 September (entry free).