Love this matting and framing! Banksy pieces will always be collectible. This generation’s Andy Warhol.
Year & Origin: The motif originated in 2002 as a large-scale commissioned mural (about 6 meters long, with the chimpanzee repeated 10 times) for the Ocean Rooms nightclub in Brighton, UK. It was later adapted into limited-edition screenprints in 2003.
• Editions:
• 150 signed prints (numbered, e.g., /150, often more valuable).
• 600 unsigned prints.
• 69 artist’s proofs (APs).
• Technical Specs: Screenprint in colors on wove paper, typically ~70 x 50 cm (sheet size around 693 x 494 mm). Published by Pictures on Walls, London.
Provenance & Authentication
Pest Control Office is Banksy’s official authentication body. They issue Certificates of Authenticity (often called “Pest Control certificates”) for genuine works. Many auction listings for “Laugh Now” prints explicitly mention accompanying Pest Control COAs, which significantly boosts provenance and market value.
If your print has one, it’s a strong indicator of authenticity. Banksy/Pest Control has warned about fakes circulating, especially around early 2000s works, so verification through them is standard for serious collectors.
Meaning & Cultural Impact
The piece is a witty, anarchic commentary on power dynamics, oppression, and potential rebellion—often interpreted as a metaphor for animals (or the underclass/marginalized) rising up, or a jab at human hubris. The chimpanzee looks dejected yet defiant. It’s one of Banksy’s most recognizable early images and ties into his recurring monkey motifs (e.g., in later works like chimpanzee-filled House of Commons scenes)
