If you’ve found yourself wandering around Westminster this week, you may have noticed a rather mysterious new addition to the area’s artwork. A huge new sculpture was spotted on Wednesday morning (April 29), and – having appeared overnight – the statue instantly sparked some Banksy-based speculation. However, the pioneering public artist and political activist kept us all guessing, and didn’t confirm the rumours were true until today (April 30). Banksy took to Instagram this afternoon to verify that the satirical statue that’s been plonked in the middle of Waterloo Place is, indeed, the work of the anonymous artist.
The statue depicts a person dressed in a suit, striding off the edge of a plinth, with their face covered by a flag billowing in the wind. It can be found in St James’s Waterloo Place, near the Crimean War Memorial, just a stone’s throw from statues of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale. Banksy’s familiar sign-off can also be seen etched into the base of the sculpture.
Banksy has become pretty notorious for popping up in the dead of night and creating thought-provoking works of art for unsuspecting passers-by to discover the following morning. This new Westminster work of art is one of Banksy’s largest pieces yet. And, to be quite honest, I don’t know what’s more impressive: the sculpture itself or the fact that Banksy managed to sneak a huge plinth and a hefty statue into the middle of central London without anybody noticing.
Westminster City Council 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.”
