Ajax protects Banksy’s works in Ukraine

February 23, 2023

Ajax Systems has delivered a solution for protecting the works of world-famous artist Banksy in the Kyiv region. Project was developed by the initiative of the Kyiv regional military administration and local administration.

Ajax wireless security systems were installed on 4 Banksy’s paintings in Borodyanka, Irpin, and Horenka. Art objects are protected against potential vandalism and weather conditions. Objects are monitored 24/7 by the Sheriff security company. The rapid security team will instantly respond to stealing or damaging attempts. The paintings will be protected until delivered to the museum.

“Banksy’s works have cultural and historical value for the country as a reminder that light will win over darkness. It is important to resist possible vandalism attempts that have already happened. We are grateful to our partners and security engineers. They have found and delivered a successful solution in a challenging environment.” said Oleh Torkunov, the deputy head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration.

The MotionCam Outdoor PhOD motion detectors and DoorProtect Plus opening detectors protect the objects against attempts to damage or approach the artwork. The built-in sensors react to shocks and vibrations. In case of an alarm, the StreetSiren siren activates, and the rapid response team arrives. The transparent polycarbonate walls protect the artworks from the external environment. The picture of a judoka in Borodyanka also has a temporary protective structure with the LifeQuality smart air quality monitor inside. LifeQuality monitors the CO2, temperature, and humidity levels. The WallSwitch relay helps maintain the microclimate conditions to keep the painting safe.

“We are grateful to Ajax Systems for fast responding and protecting the paintings. These art objects are war artifacts that we must preserve for Ukrainians. Our cities have suffered from significant destruction, and these art objects represent an unbreakable belief that life will definitely win.” said Heorhii Yerko, acting head of the village council of Borodyanka.

The security system includes 20 detectors and 4 control panels (hubs). The detectors do not depend on a constant power supply. The control panel can be located in a remote room. The hub maintains communication with the devices at a distance of up to 1,700 meters and transfers alarms in less than 0.15 seconds.

“Protecting such objects is a challenge for any security system or installer. There were many obstacles: from destroyed buildings with paintings to no power supply. But with the assistance of the Kyiv Regional Administration and the Ministry, we were able to find and bring necessary solutions to life. We are happy to see Ajax products protect culture even in such challenging times.” stated Valentine Hrytsenko, CMO at Ajax Systems.

In the autumn of 2022, Banksy’s art objects appeared in Ukrainian cities and became one of the symbols of support for Ukraine. In December 2022, an attempt was made to steal one of the paintings. Then the project was initiated.

This is not the first Ajax Systems initiative to protect art and cultural monuments in Ukraine and abroad. In 2021 the original Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk was under the constant monitoring of the Ajax system in the historical building of St. Sophia Cathedral.

That same year, the Ajax security system was installed in the Parkhomivka Museum named after A. F. Lunov. In addition, Ajax protects a UNESCO World Heritage site in Norway — the wooden architecture of Bergen city.

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