Banksy Uncovered: A Guide To London's Top 12 Street Art Masterpieces

This week a brand new Banksy masterpiece popped up in Finsbury Park, so we felt inspired to take a journey through the capital's streets to uncover the top 12 locations where Banksy's artistry reigns supreme.

Since emerging on the street art scene in Bristol in the early 2000s, Banksy's enigmatic creations have left an indelible mark on cities worldwide. London, in particular, boasts a treasure trove of his iconic murals, each bearing its own captivating story. 

1. If Graffiti Changed Anything It Would Be Illegal, 2011 - Clipstone Street, Fitzrovia

An ode to political activism, this mural features one of Banksy's signature rats beneath the poignant message, "If graffiti changed anything, it would be illegal." A testament to the power of street art to provoke thought and inspire change, this piece sparked a local campaign to save it from removal by Westminster City Council.

2. Guard Dog and His Master's Voice, 2003 - Rivington Street, Shoreditch

Among Banksy's earliest works in London, this piece on Rivington Street captures the irreverent spirit of the East End. Featuring a satirical take on authority figures, it's a reminder of the area's rich graffiti heritage and its role as a breeding ground for artistic expression.

3. Shop Till You Drop, 2011 - Bruton Lane, West End

Perched high above the bustling streets of the West End, this mural offers a wry commentary on consumer culture. With a woman plummeting from a shopping trolley, Banksy challenges our obsession with materialism and prompts viewers to reflect on the consequences of rampant consumerism.

4. Very Little Helps, 2008 - Essex Road, North London

A playful jab at corporate giants, this mural depicts children pledging allegiance to Tesco, highlighting society's dependence on multinational corporations. Despite being covered in Perspex, the artwork has been the target of vandalism, underscoring its status as a provocative symbol of resistance.

5. Choose Your Weapon, 2008 - The Grange, Bermondsey

Inspired by legendary artist Keith Haring, this piece juxtaposes a hooded figure with a barking dog, offering a potent commentary on power dynamics in urban spaces. The mural's striking imagery and bold colors make it a standout piece in Banksy's oeuvre.

6. Cash Machine Girl, 2007 - Exmouth Market, North London

 A stark indictment of capitalism's grip on society, this mural depicts a girl being abducted by the mechanical arm of a cash machine, serving as a stark reminder of the dehumanizing effects of wealth. Despite its powerful message, the artwork has since been painted over, underscoring the ephemeral nature of street art.

7. Bubble Slide Girl, 2008 - Hackney, East London

Celebrating the innocence of childhood, this whimsical mural captures a young girl sliding down a drainpipe, reminding us to find joy amidst the chaos of city life. Despite fading over time, the mural continues to evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia among passersby.

8. Phone Tap, 2011 - Chrisp Street, Poplar

Blurring the lines between art and reality, this mural features a phone ringing to a water tap, a tongue-in-cheek commentary on surveillance culture and the intrusion of privacy. Despite its subtle humor, the artwork carries a powerful message about the erosion of personal freedoms in the digital age.

9. Wallpaper Hanging, 2009 - Regents Canal, Camden

A testament to the ephemeral nature of street art, this mural depicts a city worker covering graffiti with wallpaper, symbolizing the ongoing battle between artistic expression and urban decay. The mural's history of defacement and restoration reflects the ever-changing nature of the street art landscape.

10. I Love Robbo Rat, 2004 - Chiswell Street, Islington

A relic of Banksy's ongoing feud with fellow graffiti artist Robbo, this piece features a rat holding a placard, a nod to the subversive spirit of street art culture. Despite the passage of time, the mural remains a potent reminder of the rivalry and camaraderie within the graffiti community.

11. Yellow Flower, Pollard Street, Bethnal Green

Transforming the urban landscape, this vibrant mural extends the double yellow lines of the road into a blossoming flower, a testament to Banksy's ability to blend art with the environment. Despite being partially obscured by graffiti, the mural continues to brighten the streetscape and inspire passersby.

12. Tox, 2011 - Jeffrey Street, Camden

A playful response to the graffiti scene, this mural depicts a boy blowing the tag of fellow artist Tox as a bubble, a lighthearted nod to the camaraderie and competition within the street art community. Despite its lighthearted tone, the mural carries a deeper message about the transformative power of art and the bonds that unite artists.

Plus, a New Addition: Untitled Banksy Mural, 2023 - Hornsey Road, Finsbury Park

In a surprise unveiling, residents of Hornsey Road in Finsbury Park awoke to discover a brand new Banksy artwork adorning the side of a building. Featuring dribbles and drips of green paint, the mural is already generating buzz and speculation among locals and art enthusiasts alike. Stay tuned as we uncover more details about this latest addition to Banksy’s iconic portfolio.