Mysterious Banksy plaque appears in Bristol
In the heart of one of Bristol’s most iconic streets is a small, blue plaque that has mystified locals. It says ‘England Heritage – Banksy[1] 19-20 Prankster, lived here and there’. The blue sign was first spotted on a wall along Stokes Croft[2] this week, close to the Canteen.
It’s unclear if Bristol’s elusive graffiti artist is behind the plaque or whether another creator placed it there in his honour. A witness said: “On the morning of November 19, passers in Bristol were surprised to discover a blue ceramic plaque similar to that of British Heritage on the facade of the 74/77 Stokes Croft.
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“What does it mean?
This plaque is placed near the facade of Banksy’s iconic 1999 work Mild West. What does it mean? It could be a glimpse of his past as a young Bristol artist, or a call for the preservation of certain buildings or works of street art.
Nevertheless, this gesture is a sign that he should not be buried too quickly and that his anonymity is still well protected.”
Banksy fans are very excited by the new sign
The news follows an unearthed BBC interview with Banksy[5] where the enigmatic artist appears to confirm his name. Below is their conversation from 2003: Nigel (interviewer): Are you happy for me to use your name?
I mean, The Independent has. Banksy: Yeah. Nigel: Is it Robert Banks?
Banksy: It’s Robbie. Nigel: Robbie. Okay.
Robbie. The admission still leaves the door open for Banksy to be several people including Robert Del Naja, also known as 3D,[6] the artist and Massive Attack musician. Robbie could also be a nickname for Robin Gunningham – who was born on July 28, 1973 in Yate[7].
Gunningham grew up[8] in Easton[9] and went to Bristol Cathedral School.
The story goes that Gunningham started going by the name Robin Banks, which went on to become Banksy.
References
- ^ Banksy (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Stokes Croft (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Fresh details emerge as Banksy’s long-kept secret could be exposed in High Court trial (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ click here (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ follows an unearthed BBC interview with Banksy (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Robert Del Naja, also known as 3D, (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Yate (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Gunningham grew up (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Easton (www.bristolpost.co.uk)