Banksy confirmed a new statue has been installed on a plinth near the Mall in central London showing a suited man whose face is obscured by a wind-blown flag. The signed sculpture was delivered on a low-loader and placed overnight, with footage shared on Banksy’s Instagram. Observers have interpreted the piece as a critique of 'blind patriotism' and noted the stunt's placement among historic monuments in the heart of the British establishment. Reuters previously published a special report revealing new details about Banksy’s methods and identity.
Banksy Erects Statue Of Flag-Obscured Man On Plinth Near London’s Mall
A statue depicting a person stepping off the plinth while carrying a flag covering their face, by British street artist Banksy, stands in London, Britain, April 30, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor
LONDON, April 30 (Reuters) - Banksy has confirmed he installed a large new statue on a plinth close to the Mall in central London depicting a suited man whose face is obscured by a wind-blown flag.
A statue depicting a person stepping off the plinth while carrying a flag covering their face, by British street artist Banksy, stands in London, Britain, April 30, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor
The bronze-coloured sculpture, which bears the artist's signature on the plinth, was placed overnight after being delivered on a low-loader, footage posted to Banksy’s Instagram account shows.
A statue depicting a person stepping off the plinth while carrying a flag covering their face, by British street artist Banksy, stands in London, Britain, April 30, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor
The figure is shown in a formal suit with the flag blown across his face, and one foot poised at the edge of the plinth as if he is about to step off. The pose and setting deliberately echo the style of nearby historic monuments.
A statue depicting a person stepping off the plinth while carrying a flag covering their face, by British street artist Banksy, stands in London, Britain, April 30, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor
The work was installed in a part of the capital noted for royal palaces and gentlemen's clubs and sits among monuments including the equestrian statue of King Edward VII, the memorial to Florence Nightingale and the statue of statesman Sidney Herbert.
A statue depicting a person stepping off the plinth while carrying a flag covering their face, by British street artist Banksy, stands in London, Britain, April 30, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor
On Instagram, many observers described the piece as a comment on 'blind patriotism' and expressed astonishment at how such a stunt was executed in the heart of the British establishment.
Banksy, who keeps his identity tightly guarded, typically uses Instagram to confirm which murals and sculptures are his. Reuters last month published a special report that revealed new details about his modus operandi and aspects of his identity.
Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Rod Nickel
Help us improve.
