Banksy Statue of Suited Man Blinded by Flag Appears in London
An overnight installation in Waterloo Place, central London, has unveiled a new statue believed to be by Banksy. The artwork features a man in a suit, blinded by a flag caught in the wind, as he steps off a ledge. Banksy's signature was located on the base, and a video on his Instagram confirmed his involvement. Art dealer Philip Mould commended the piece for its proportions and provocative essence. The statue, likely made of fiberglass, aligns with nearby monuments such as King Edward VII and Florence Nightingale. Safety barriers were erected as onlookers gathered, and the office of London mayor Sadiq Khan expressed a desire to protect it. This piece adds to Banksy's recent public art, including murals addressing child homelessness from December 2025. Statues are uncommon for Banksy, who previously created 'The Drinker' in 2004.
Key facts
- Statue appeared overnight in Waterloo Place, central London.
- Depicts a suited man blinded by a flag, walking off a ledge.
- Banksy's signature on plinth; Instagram post confirmed involvement.
- Art dealer Philip Mould commented on proportions and controversy.
- Statue is possibly fiberglass, similar height to nearby monuments.
- Safety barriers erected; London mayor's office hopes to preserve it.
- Follows December 2025 murals on child homelessness.
- Banksy's previous statue 'The Drinker' installed in 2004.
Entities
Artists
- Banksy
Institutions
- Reuters
- BBC News
- New York Times
- Office of London Mayor Sadiq Khan
- BBC
- Westminster City Council
- Athenaeum Club
- Metallica
Locations
- Waterloo Place
- London
- United Kingdom
- Royal Courts of Justice
- Big Ben
- St James's
- Pall Mall
- Carlton House Terrace
- Westminster
- Shaftesbury Avenue