A new statue by Banksy has appeared on Waterloo Place in central London. The statue depicts a suited man carrying a large flag that covers his face. Banksy confirmed his authorship on his Instagram account.
The statue was first reported on April 29, 2026. Its plinth features Banksy’s signature etched into it. This artwork reflects the bronze and granite monuments nearby, including the Duke of York Column.
Banksy has been increasingly active in London over the last two years. In summer 2024, he created a series of stencilled animal silhouettes across the city. In September 2025, he made headlines with an unauthorised mural at the Royal Courts of Justice.
Observers are already debating the statue’s meaning and significance. One commentator stated, “I love that he appears when enough time has passed to forget, and arrives with full force unnoticed.” Another called it “classic Banksy,” emphasizing its brutal simplicity.
As discussions unfold, reactions from officials and art critics are expected to emerge. The statue’s presence in such a prominent location raises questions regarding street art’s place in urban environments, especially near government buildings and foreign embassies.
