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.

To

"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."

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

1. ^ Banksy (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
2. ^ Stokes Croft (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
3. ^ Fresh details emerge as Banksy's long-kept secret could be exposed in High Court trial (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
4. ^ click here (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
5. ^ follows an unearthed BBC interview with Banksy (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
6. ^ Robert Del Naja, also known as 3D, (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
7. ^ Yate (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
8. ^ Gunningham grew up (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
9. ^ Easton (www.bristolpost.co.uk)