A statue appeared mysteriously overnight on a plinth in London’s Waterloo Place, showing a man in a suit, blinded by the large flag he carried, about to step off the edge. It was signed by Banksy, and the famed street artist confirmed the attribution earlier today.
Crowds gathered to see it Thursday; authorities put up barriers to keep them off it.
Westminster City Council, which is responsible for the area, said: “We’re excited to see Banksy’s latest sculpture in Westminster, making 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.”
Statue of a suited figure holding a flag, seen against a scaffolding‑covered building in London
It was placed in front of the gilded statue of Athena on the façade of the Athenaeum Club
Video on Banksy’s Instagram page shows the statue being moved off a large truck and emplaced near the heart of British government.
From one of the comments there: “I love that he appears when enough time has passed to forget, and arrives with full force unnoticed.”
Just a few weeks ago, a detailed Reuters exposé added to the evidence he was the street artist Robin Gunningham, aided by Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack fame and others.
