Banksy's Liverpool Rat: A Tale of Urban Art, History, and Transformation

A historically significant building on Liverpool's Duke Street once housed the Whitehouse pub and was known for a Banksy mural depicting a giant rat. The pub, frequented by locals and tourists, has been a landmark since 2004 when the artwork appeared, but the building has undergone renovations and is now a French-inspired café bar.

Amidst the vibrant streets of Liverpool, where history intertwines with modern-day vibrancy, a tale unfolds around a once-derelict building at the intersection of Berry Street and Duke Street. This former abode of the Whitehouse pub bears witness to a remarkable episode involving an iconic street artist and a captivating piece of urban art.

In 2004, this dilapidated structure became an unexpected canvas for Banksy, the enigmatic graffiti maestro whose works have garnered global acclaim. Under the cloak of night, he bestowed upon the building's façade a colossal rat, a symbol of resilience and irreverence. The rodent's presence instantly transformed the building into a local landmark, drawing curious onlookers and art enthusiasts alike.

The rat, adorned with an audacious swagger, stood proudly for nearly a decade, its audacious form imbuing the crumbling edifice with an aura of urban chic. However, in 2013, as part of a comprehensive renovation, the artwork was carefully removed, much to the dismay of many who had come to appreciate its subversive charm.

Today, the building echoes with a different ambiance, having been reborn as the Petit Café Du Coin, a charming French-inspired café bar that pays homage to the city's diverse culinary scene. Its verdant and gold facade stands out against the backdrop of the city center, echoing the vibrant hues of its sibling establishments on Allerton Road and Lark Lane.

Yet, the legacy of the Whitehouse pub and Banksy's enigmatic rat endures, forever etched into the annals of Liverpool's architectural and artistic heritage. The building remains an enduring testament to the city's rich maritime past, having once served as the residence and confectionery shop of the illustrious Baines family, prominent shipbuilders who played a pivotal role in the city's maritime ascendancy.

In the 1800s, as Liverpool emerged as a global shipping hub, Duke Street became the heart of the city's maritime elite. The Baines family, led by James Baines, a renowned merchant, shipowner, and shipbroker, established a formidable shipping empire, operating a fleet of vessels along the Liverpool Black Ball line, connecting England and Australia.

The Baines' confectionery shop, located at 185 Duke Street, not only catered to the sweet tooth of the local community but also supplied delectable treats to the discerning palates of the Royal Family, further cementing the family's prominence within Liverpool's social fabric.

As the years passed, the property underwent several transformations, serving as an immigrant guest house before evolving into the Whitehouse pub, a convivial hub that welcomed countless locals and tourists alike. The pub's warm ambiance and lively atmosphere left an enduring mark on the city's social landscape, with many fond memories still shared by patrons who frequented its hallowed halls.

In the 1920s, the Jennings family took the helm of the Whitehouse pub, with James and Mary Jennings, known affectionately as Molly, presiding over the establishment for over two decades. Christine Donaldson, their granddaughter, fondly recalled her family's connection to the pub, sharing tales of her grandmother's impeccable demeanor and unwavering dignity.

During the tumultuous years of World War II, the pub's cellar provided refuge for the Jennings family, who sought solace from the relentless air raids that plagued the city. The pub's upper floors housed the workshops of Christine's uncles, skilled artisans who plied their trades as a cabinet-maker, chair maker, and cobbler, adding to the building's rich tapestry of human endeavor.

In 2000, the Liverpool ECHO launched its "Stop the Rot" campaign, a clarion call to preserve the city's architectural heritage. By 2004, the derelict building on Berry Street had been bestowed with Grade-II listed status, recognizing its historical significance.

Amidst the efforts to preserve the building's architectural integrity, Banksy's rat emerged as a beacon of contemporary urban art, imbuing the dilapidated structure with a fresh layer of cultural significance. The artwork, with its estimated value of £1 million, became a symbol of Liverpool's vibrant street art scene and further cemented the city's reputation as a hub of creativity and innovation.

In 2011, Ascot Property Group acquired the building, embarking on a meticulous restoration project. The Banksy rat, a cherished symbol of the city's artistic spirit, was carefully removed from the façade, its preservation entrusted to Sincura, a company specializing in the restoration and management of artworks.

Despite extensive restoration efforts, only the upper portion of the artwork survived, as the lower section had been stenciled onto wood that could not be salvaged. The artwork's whereabouts remained largely unknown until a brief appearance in London's "graffiti tunnel" in 2018, where it found a temporary home in a bar aptly named "Rat-bar."

In April 2021, the artwork, now rechristened "The Whitehouse Rat," was transported to the Netherlands, where it was sold at auction. According to the auction website, it fetched an impressive 475,000 Euros, approximately £404,565. News outlets reported that the artwork had been acquired by an English buyer, raising hopes that it might one day return to Liverpool, its spiritual home.

The fate of "The Whitehouse Rat" remains uncertain, but its legacy as a symbol of Liverpool's cultural vibrancy and artistic heritage endures. The building at the corner of Berry Street and Duke Street, once a confectioner's shop, immigrant guest house, and beloved pub, now stands as a testament to the city's rich history and its enduring connection to the world of art.