Banksy in Bristol - The Ultimate Walking Tour Guide
Posted on: 22 Apr 2015Maverick. Icon. Controversial hero. Divisive artistic rebel. Revered and reviled in equal measure. Graffiti legend. We can, of course, only be talking about Banksy, Bristol's first-born, radical, stencil and spray can-wielding free-spirit.
His works have now become world famous, selling for hundreds of thousands, even millions of pounds and being enthusiastically snapped by global stars and A-list Hollywood celebrities. And though he has always prided himself on maintaining a certain mystique, an elusiveness and unpredictability about who he is or when his next masterpiece will appear, there are a few basic facts we do know about this (in)famous guerrilla artist.
He was born in Bristol in 1974 and was fervently involved in the burgeoning 1980s Bristol street art scene. Since those nascent days of graffiti experimentation, his works have popped up all over the world in places such as New York, London and L.A.
Banksy will always, however, be synonymous with Bristol, and an exhibition of his work in 2009 at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery attracted fans from all over the world to revel in and awe at his work, by turns challenging, fun, thought-provoking, a wry commentary on social, political and cultural trends, always with an eye on truth and injustice but always with a sly, knowing wink.
There are plenty of Banksy's work decorating many a wall around Bristol. Chances are if you pass one you'll see a throng of eager tourists happily snapping their Nikons to be a part of artistic history. And therein lies much of Banksy's power. His ability to stoke the fires of debate, for sure, but also his unique propensity to bring people together through the potent power of his art.
So why not spend a few hours walking around the city on your very own Banksy art trail? Here's our guide to Banksy's work currently adorning the streets of Bristol.
The Grim Reaper
Without doubt one of Banksy' most famous - or should that be infamous - stencils of The Grim Reaper was originally painted on the side of The Thekla on the harbour. In 2014 it was decided to protect it from ruinous wear and tear by removing it, and in the not too distant future (date to be confirmed) you'll be able to see it on display a Bristol's M Shed.
The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum
Just past the ss Great Britain and 365Bristol's very own office at Aardman, head for Albion Docks where you'll see a resident burger van and a clock tower - and on the wall of an alleyway you'll see Banksy's own idiosyncratic version of Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer's classic painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Well Hung Lover
One of the most iconic of all Banksy's creations, you can see this amusing masterpiece best from the small bridge at the bottom of Park Street. A husband looks out the window to catch his wife's lover, who has made a hasty exit out the window but hangs precariously from the window ledge. The fact it's painted on the side of the building makes it even funnier, giving the impression the adulterer will imminently plunge to the ground.
Paint-Pot Angel
A reminder of Banksy's phenomenally successful 'Banksy versus Bristol' exhibition in 2009, Paint Pot Angel sits in the entrance of the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. A cherubic, wing-adorned angel is contrasted by a trashy pot of pink paint over her head, in this case also questioning the role of art and the kind of exhibits we traditionally expect to see in museums.
Mild, Mild West
Just a bit further up from Stokes Croft is The Canteen, where you can see Banksy's Mild Mild West. This mural is a particular favourite with Bristolians, depicting a massive, smiling teddy bear poised with a Molotov cocktail and facing three riot-shield clutching policemen.
Clic Clack Boom
Behind the high street on Stanley Park in Easton you'll see one of Banksy's earliest works, Clic Clack Boom. It caused controversy when the house it was painted on was put up for sale, the art allegedly worth more than the property itself. Sadly splashed by red paint after a contemptible act of vandalism, it's still a reminder of Banksy's early creative power.
Cat and Dog
Another early work in Easton on Foster Street, this piece - of cat spray painting and two dogs walking past - is part of a broader collection of street art that's interesting in that it sets his work within the context of other graffiti artists.
Gorilla with Pink Mask
Accidentally painted over in 2011, this stencil on Fishponds Road of a gorilla wearing a pink mask has since been restored, albeit now a less vivid rendering than the original. A visual ode to curiosity, the gorilla peering inquisitively through his pink mask, the viewer looking back at the image with equal curiosity.
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
