Richard Hessink ​

Richard has recently launched an exciting three-volume book series dedicated to the enigmatic artist Banksy. This collection offers an in-depth exploration of Banksy’s work, style, and impact, making it a must-read for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. The series is now available for purchase online – a perfect addition to any art library.

In addition to his work as an Art Expert, Richard is no stranger to live shows and tours, where he shares insights into the art world and showcases rare and exclusive original pieces of Banksy's Street Art. Don’t miss the chance to discover more about Banksy and other iconic artists – explore the collection and grab your copy of the Catalogue Raisonné of Banksy's Street Art today!

Banksy's Art

DeadPresidents
boek_2-removebg-preview
rat lock
GorillaMask
Police
Wall Gorilla

" ... Famous artists are not revered by the art-loving public for the pieces that have been lost or destroyed over time but for their artworks that have been preserved, allowing art lovers to enjoy them now and in the future ... "

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About Richard Hessink | Catalogue Raisonné of Banksy's Street Art

Richard Hessink

Dutch Art Dealer & Banksy Specialist

"From Courtroom to Catalogue—Bringing Clarity Where Mystery Prevails"

The Journey

Four Decades of Art Expertise

A Legacy in Fine Art

For over 40 years, Richard Hessink has been a prominent figure in the international art world as a Dutch art dealer, certified appraiser, and former auctioneer based in Zwolle, Netherlands.

Founder of Hessink's Fine Art Auctioneers, Richard gained international recognition through high-profile sales of Banksy artworks, establishing himself as one of Europe's leading authorities on the elusive street artist's work.

The Catalyst

In 2020, a legal challenge over the authenticity of two Banksy works—"Gangsta Rat" and "Never Liked The Beatles"—became the turning point in Richard's career.

After winning the case in 2023, Richard realized the art world desperately needed a definitive reference for Banksy's street art. Too much mystery. Too much confusion.

This revelation inspired the creation of what would become the most comprehensive documentation of Banksy's public street works ever compiled.

A Timeline of Excellence

Milestones in the Catalogue's Creation

1983

Foundation of Expertise

Richard Hessink establishes his career in fine art dealing, beginning four decades of building deep knowledge in art authentication and valuation.

2020

The Legal Challenge

A high-stakes authenticity dispute over Banksy works "Gangsta Rat" and "Never Liked The Beatles" sold for €400,000 begins.

2021

Research Begins

With the lawsuit ongoing, Richard starts analyzing over 35,000 photographs of Banksy street works, identifying hundreds never before documented.

2022

First Edition Published

April 2022: The inaugural two-volume Catalogue Raisonné debuts with 1,100+ pages and 2,500+ photos covering 1996-2021.

2023

Legal Victory

Richard wins the authenticity case, vindicating his expertise and reinforcing the need for authoritative Banksy documentation.

2024

The Definitive Edition

September 10, 2024: Second Edition released—three volumes, 1,750 pages, 6,500+ photos spanning 1995-2025. Limited to 500 numbered copies.

Richard Hessink presenting the Catalogue Raisonné to Prince Albert II of Monaco

Recognition & Impact

Setting the Standard for Street Art Documentation

📚

Industry Standard

The Catalogue is now cited by auction houses worldwide, including references like "See Catalogue Raisonné by Richard Hessink, page XX."

👑

Royal Recognition

Prince Albert II of Monaco personally received a copy, acknowledging its cultural and historical significance.

📰

Global Media Coverage

Featured in The Art Newspaper, Artnet News, NPO Radio 1, RTV Oost, NL Times, and international art publications.

🔍

700 Undocumented Works

The Catalogue reveals approximately 700 Banksy works never before seen on his website or in other publications.

🎨

Historical Preservation

With 75% of Banksy's street works destroyed, the Catalogue serves as the permanent visual archive for future generations.

🏛️

Institutional Trust

Listed in the International Foundation for Art Research (IFAR) database of Catalogues Raisonnés in preparation.

Inside the Catalogue

A Visual Journey Through 30 Years of Street Art History

Catalogue Page Sample
Comprehensive documentation with high-resolution photography
Catalogue Detail
Detailed provenance and location data
Street Art Documentation
Works from 1995-2025
Catalogue Spread
6,500+ photographs across three volumes
Index Volume
Complete index for research and authentication

Featured Banksy Works Documented

Banksy Rat
Dead Presidents
Gorilla Wall
Police

The Mission

"There is too much mystery and nonsense surrounding Banksy's public street art. I want to bring clarity."

— Richard Hessink

While Banksy's authentication body, Pest Control, deliberately refuses to authenticate most street works as part of the artist's ethical stance against commercializing public art, this creates a void in historical documentation.

The Catalogue Raisonné fills this critical gap—not as a commercial tool, but as a scholarly archive preserving cultural heritage. With the vast majority of Banksy's street works destroyed, vandalized, or removed, this comprehensive visual record ensures that future art historians, researchers, and enthusiasts can study the evolution of one of the 21st century's most influential artists.

This is Richard's legacy: when the walls are gone, when the controversy fades, the Catalogue will remain—a testament to street art's ephemeral beauty and enduring cultural impact.

Get in Touch

Email: contact@hessink.com

Phone: +31 (0)6 53 91 01 32

Location: Lichtmisweg 51, Zwolle, Netherlands

Richard Hessink
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