Banksy Unveils New Statue in Central London, Council Moves to Protect It
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A new statue by the artist Banksy has appeared in London's Waterloo Place. Westminster City Council has stated it has no plans to remove the work and has taken initial steps to protect it. The piece, depicting a suited man stepping off a plinth while obscured by a flag, was confirmed by the artist's Instagram account.
Facts First
- A new statue by Banksy appeared in London's Waterloo Place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
- Westminster City Council has no plans to remove it and has taken initial steps to protect the artwork.
- The statue depicts a suited man stepping off a plinth with no ground beneath him, his face covered by a large flag.
- Banksy's Instagram account confirmed the work with a video set to Edward Elgar's 'Pomp and Circumstance March No.1'.
- A previous Banksy mural in London was removed by authorities in September 2025, two days after it appeared.
What Happened
A statue signed 'Banksy' appeared in Waterloo Place in London on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. The statue depicts a man in a suit hoisting a large flag that covers his face, stepping off a plinth with no ground beneath him. Banksy's Instagram account confirmed it as his work on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The video is set to British composer Edward Elgar's 1901 'Pomp and Circumstance March No.1'. Westminster City Council stated they have no plans to remove the statue and have taken initial steps to protect it.
Why this Matters to You
If you live in or visit London, you may now have a new, high-profile piece of public art to see in a central location. The council's decision to protect the statue suggests it could become a permanent or long-term fixture, unlike a previous Banksy mural that was swiftly removed in 2025. This development may signal a shift in how local authorities value and preserve unsanctioned street art from globally recognized artists.
What's Next
The statue is likely to attract significant public attention and could become a popular tourist destination. Its protected status may encourage other artists or lead to further official recognition of Banksy's work in public spaces. The council's protective steps could involve installing barriers or surveillance to prevent damage or theft.