Banksy's Bristol

The mysterious street artist Banksy is thought to hail from Bristol and there are dozens of his pieces around the city for you to admire. Not sure where to go? This guide will point you in the right direction… 

The Well Hung Lover 

To see this piece of a naked man dangling from a window ledge, head to Park Street, not far from Bristol Cathedral. The artwork has been damaged slightly by someone with a paint gun, but the main image is still clearly visible.  

The Mild Mild West 

If you walk north east from the city centre to Stokes Croft, you’ll see Banksy’s piece that depicts a teddy fighting back against three riot police. It’s best viewed from Jamaica Street Junction. This is an area of Bristol that has lots of bright and colourful graffiti.  

Rose Trap 

Just a short distance from the Mild Mild West is one of Banksy’s earliest works, Rose Trap. It’s on a wall on Thomas Street North. It’s only small but is well worth viewing. It shows a rose lying in a mouse trap. 

Take the Money and Run 

This piece is another of his earliest works and is a collaboration with Bristol street artists Inky and  Mobz. It’s a colourful piece and can be viewed on a wall opposite the Old England Pub on Bath Buildings Road. 

The Ferryman and Tesco Value Petrol Bomb 

Bristol’s M Shed gallery is home to The Ferryman/The Grim Reaper and Tesco Value Petrol Bomb. Originally, The Ferryman was created on the side of the Thekla Social boat which was moored in Bristol harbour, but was carefully removed in 2014 to protect it from being damaged by the weather or vandals.  The Tesco Value Petrol Bomb was created by Banksy in reaction to the Tesco riots in Bristol in 2011 and prints were sold to raise money for the legal defence of those arrested. 

You’ll find the M Shed gallery on Prince's Wharf beside the Floating Harbour. 

The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum 

This piece is Banksy’s version of Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Instead of an earring, he uses an alarm that was already in situ. You’ll spot it as you walk along Hanover Place, near Albion Docks. Just look out for the clock tower and the burger van which is nearby. 

Once you’ve seen it, if you continue in the direction of Bristol Cathedral, you’ll come to the Central Library. Tucked away along Lower Lamb Street which runs behind the library is a Banksy mural that he created in 2011. It states: “you don't need planning permission to build castles in the sky.” 

Paint Pot Angel

If you take a trip to the Bristol Museum you’ll see this installation by Banksy in the entrance hall. It was one of 100 Banksy pieces that were on display in the museum for a special exhibition in 2009. 

We hope we’ve wetted your appetite and you’re looking forward to your next trip to Bristol so you can admire these Banksy masterpieces in person.  

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