Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- London authorities welcome Banksy's new statue of a man blinded by a flag.
- The sculpture, unveiled after a Reuters investigation, is Banksy's first since March.
- Westminster City Council plans to protect the statue, enhancing London's public art scene.
LONDON — London authorities said on Friday they welcomed a statue installed by street artist Banksy showing a man blinded by a flag that had blown into his face, and had no plans to remove it.
The sculpture, which bears Banksy's signature, is the first artwork the artist has unveiled since a Reuters investigation in March revealed details of his real identity, which had been kept a closely guarded secret.
Banksy's lawyer, Mark Stephens, had told Reuters not to publish its story, saying that identifying him would interfere with his art and put him in danger.
The statue was dropped into place near the Mall in the ceremonial heart of London from a low-loader trailer, according to a video posted on the elusive street artist's Instagram account on Thursday. The suited figure, whose face is covered by the billowing flag, has one foot in mid-air over the edge of the plinth, suggesting he is about to fall off.
It was first spotted on Wednesday in an area of the British capital that is home to royal palaces and gentlemen's clubs. It mirrors the style of nearby statues, including of King Edward VII on horseback, nurse Florence Nightingale and statesman Sidney Herbert.
Commentators on Banksy's Instagram site speculated the work was about "blind patriotism", and questioned how he had managed to pull off such a stunt in the centre of the British establishment.
Council takes steps to protect statue
Westminster City Council said on Friday they would not remove the large work, which appears to be made of resin or fiberglass.
"We welcome Banksy's latest sculpture in Westminster, which makes a striking addition to the city's vibrant public art scene," a council spokesperson said in a statement.
"While we have taken initial steps to protect the statue, at this time it will remain accessible for the public to view and enjoy."
Banksy, born Robin Gunningham, began creating street art in Bristol, in the West of England, in the 1990s and was initially treated as a vandal by authorities.
He is now viewed as a national treasure, with his works generating millions of dollars in sales over the years.
Local governments are now much more willing to protect his art to maintain it as an attraction, after some pieces were previously targeted by vandals.
