In the Autumn of 2019, after a legal dispute with a card manufacturing company over Banksy’s trademark of image ownership, Banksy was forced to create, ‘the least poetic reason to ever hold an art show’. The artist launched his new venture, ‘Gross Domestic Product’ (GDP).

He filled a storefront in Croydon (South of London) with pieces of art and homewares – but the shop never opened. Queues formed to catch a glimpse of what was on offer, as the public were advised to register online for a chance to purchase a rare and exclusive Banksy product, as on display in store. 

Potential buyers had to register their interest in purchasing just one item from what was offered online and enter a lottery system. They also had to answer the question, ‘Why does art matter?’ and all responses were to be judged by comedian Adam Bloom, who would choose the winners based on the most original and funny answers provided. Of course, demand far outstripped availability, making it incredibly hard to gain one of these Banksy products.

While crowds still gathered outside the store on its final day of Sunday 13th October, the GDP Rat print was among one of three prints handed out by Banksy staff members in brown coats, to predominantly children waiting in the queue. 

The other two prints distributed were, ‘GDP Flower Thrower’ and ‘Crisis As Usual’. Each is printed on 50gsm paper with the exact number of prints in existence unknown, but very limited. 

The GDP Rat design was used again on a signed limited edition Banksy™ Clock, which could be ordered, if you were lucky, through Banksy’s Gross Domestic Product website.