Where To Find Street Art In The UK - Banksy Special [360° Interactive Tour]

When it comes to street artists, this one doesn't need any introduction. Banksy is a renowned British artist who has rapidly become one of the UK's leading and iconic names. Since quietly joining the art scene in the late 90's Banksy is one of the most elusive outdoor painters, with very little known about his personal life. Many of his masterful creations can be found in Bristol (his hometown), London and around the world. His works are a combination of humour and political satire in a unique style and have known to sell for many thousands; including many celebrity owners.

Falling Shopper

Falling Shopper - 25, Bruton Lane, London

Displayed several stories high on a disused office block the “Falling Shopper” shows a wealthy woman with a trolley of groceries falling towards the ground. This particular Banksy stencil was created in 2011 approximately and was purposely placed in the upmarket area of Mayfair. The particular placing of the design has ensured it a longer life span; with no oversprays or cover ups even without Perspex to protect it (some of Banksy work around London has been covered in Perspex to keep it protected and visible to the public).

“If Graffiti Changed Anythingâ€

"If Graffiti Changed Anything" – Clipstone Street, London

Another Banksy design from 2011, set in the Fitzrovia district of central London shows a wall of written graffiti in bright red with a red handed rat underneath. The quote is Banksy's interpretation of another famous saying “'If Voting Changed Anything - It Would Be Illegal”. This piece is still running and protected under Perspex.

Guard Dog & His Masters Voice

Guard Dog & His Masters Voice – 66 Rivington Street, London

Rivington Street, London is home to a collection of Banksy stencils including the “Guard Dog”, found in Cargo Club's beer garden and “His Masters Voice” which is another interpretation of a music company brand logo – in this case the famous HMV dog, which is holding a rocket launcher into the gramophone, both still remain intact and covered in Perspex - helping to preserve and prolong the life span of Banksy's work.

Blur Crazy Beat Art Work

Blur Crazy Beat Art Work - Stoke Newington Church Street , London

Sketched upon the side of a building on Stoke Newington Church Street , London this piece of Banksy's also appeared on the cover artwork for Blur's Crazy Beat single. This location was also previously home to one of Banksy's Coldstream guards but has since been "re-done". The local council had previously tried to remove this actual impression but were forced to stop after a local outcry that yet another Banksy masterpiece was to be destroyed.

Yellow Lines Flower Painter

Yellow Lines Flower Painter – Pollard Street, London

Probably one of Banksy's most famous Graffiti works, the Yellow Lines Flower Painter in Bethnal Green is also one of artist's original works, a prime example of Banksy's ability to think and invent unique creations on a full detailed scale. Like most iconic Bansky designs many carry individual messages and meaning – in this case, it's said the message is to break out of the lines and to do something different.

The Mild Mild West

The Mild Mild West - Stokes Croft, Bristol

Painted on the side of a building in Stokes Croft, Bristol there is speculation on what this specific Banksy piece represents, named “The Mild Mild West” it has previously been said this creation reflects the Bristol riots back in the 90s. On the other hand, some have said this isn't true at all and said it actual represents a more hard-line approach from the local police force during the same era.

Cat and Dog

Cat and Dog – Robertson Road, Bristol

This early Banksy example of a Cat grafting and two dogs can be found in his home town of Bristol, in the Easton area. Different from Banksy's more recent designs, this early piece is a different Banksy style to what we used to off the artist nowadays but never the less it's nice to still see original artworks around.

Well Hung Lover

Well Hung Lover – Park Street, Bristol

Yet another iconic Banksy spray, the “Well Hung Lover” or “Man Hanging from Window” in true Banksy style this piece was stencilled on the side on a Sexual Health Clinic, Frogmore Street, Bristol. Although Banksy is said to not have realised this at the time but thought it was “really funny” and ironic. Over the years the sketch has been vandalized with blue paint but can still be made out.

Kissing Coppers

Kissing Coppers – 35 Frederick Place, Brighton

Tagged on the Prince Albert pub in Brighton this controversial Banksy piece was the topic of everyone's conversation when first created in 2004. Receiving a lot interest from overseas, especially from the US, the owner of the pub was said to be auctioning off this actual stencil. The original piece also outlined a powerful message regarding police officers, often thought of as macho, strong men while, gay men are stereotypically believed to be less masculine and in true Banksy style he has created the opposite idea.

As well as Banksy, the UK is a hot bed for many other local and international graffiti artists. Check out our guide 'Where to find street art in London' for more amazing murals donning the streets of the capital.

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