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.
Key Takeaways
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 appeared overnight near statues of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale on Pall Mall.
- Banksy confirmed the statue as his work via Instagram video
- Westminster Council has no plans to remove the piece
- The installation coincides with King Charles III's state visit to the U.S.
- Previous Banksy works in London include murals near Centre Point Tower and outside the Royal Courts of Justice
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.
The statue appeared in public just as King Charles III made a state visit to Washington, D.C., New York City and Virginia, in which the king and Queen Camilla were feted by President Trump at a state dinner and during which the British royal addressed Congress, arguing for the importance of NATO. By Thursday,a videoabout the piece had been published on Banksy's Instagram account, confirming it as his work.
The statue is positioned in Waterloo Place, near heroic statues of King Edward VII and Florence Nightingale. It is unclear whether or not the artist received official permission for the installation; in an email to New York Times, a representative for the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan,wrote: "Banksy has a great ability to inspire people from a range of backgrounds to enjoy modern art. His work always draws great interest and debate, and the mayor is hopeful that his latest piece can be preserved for Londoners and visitors to enjoy."
On Friday, Westminster City Council said in a statement, shared with the Associated Press, that they have no plans to remove the piece, writing: "We welcome Banksy's latest sculpture in Westminster, which makes a striking addition to the city's vibrant public art scene. While we have taken initial steps to protect the statue, at this time it will remain accessible for the public to view and enjoy."
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