Banksy statue appears on Waterloo Place in central London

On Wednesday, April 29, a new statue attributed to Banksy emerged in central London's Waterloo Place. The piece depicts a man in a suit, obscured by a large flag that covers his face as he steps off the plinth. Its bronze and granite hues blend seamlessly with nearby landmarks, such as the Duke of York Column and the Guards Crimean War memorial, along with statues of Florence Nightingale and Lord Lea. Situated in the St James's area, Waterloo Place is surrounded by gentlemen's clubs, upscale shops, and government buildings. The method and timing of the statue's installation remain unclear. Banksy has been notably active in London, with recent works including stencilled animals in summer 2024 and a mural at the Royal Courts of Justice in September 2025. While he usually confirms his pieces via his Instagram (13.8 million followers), this statue has yet to be mentioned there, despite attracting crowds. The Art Newspaper has reached out to Banksy for a response.