Banksy Installs Statue Blindly Marching in London

Banksy has installed a new 25-foot-tall resin sculpture in central London, depicting a suited man blindly stepping off a plinth with a flag covering his face. The artwork mysteriously appeared overnight near statues of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale on Pall Mall, one of the busiest spots in Westminster.

According to Daily Mail, Banksy posted video clues on Instagram showing the installation process. The footage reveals yellow traffic cones marking off the area, a low-loader truck, stabilizers, a hydraulic crane, and workers in high-visibility vests carefully lowering the statue onto its plinth during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Westminster Council told BBC it did not grant permission for the installation as it was not given advance warning. A council spokesperson stated they were considering their options but would allow the public to view and enjoy the artwork for now. The statue's appearance has sparked fierce debate about its meaning, with some interpreting it as commentary on blind patriotism or leadership.

This is not Banksy's first large-scale installation in London. As reported by The Guardian, his previous works include a mural depicting two children looking at the sky near Centre Point Tower and another showing a judge beating a protester outside the Royal Courts of Justice. The artist's identity has been widely speculated, with investigations suggesting he is Bristol-based Robin Gunningham, though this has been denied.