Banksy has claimed a new sculpture that appeared in central London, depicting a suited man marching off a plinth with a billowing flag covering his face. The artwork was spotted on Waterloo Place in Pall Mall on Wednesday, and the elusive artist confirmed it as his own on Instagram the following day, sharing a video of its installation with the caption: “There was a bit of a gap.”
Westminster City Council has responded positively, stating that the sculpture will remain accessible for public viewing while options are considered. A council spokesperson told The Independent: “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.”
Banksy, who is thought to have been born Robin Gunningham, has been active since the 1990s, known for politically charged works such as Girl With Balloon (2002), Love Is In The Air (2003), and Kissing Coppers (2004). His street art often sells for millions, but some pieces have been removed or stolen. In September, a mural depicting a judge beating a protester at the Royal Courts of Justice was scrubbed off, with court administrators citing the building’s historical significance.
Transport for London also removed a Banksy piece in 2020 featuring rats with face masks on a Tube carriage, citing its strict anti-graffiti policy. In 2024, thieves stole a howling wolf painted on a satellite dish in Peckham less than an hour after it was unveiled. The latest sculpture, however, appears to have a more secure future under the council’s current stance.
