The Ultimate Guide to Banksy's Most Famous London Murals
Banksy, the mysterious street artist, is renowned for his thought-provoking and often controversial pieces that have captivated global audiences. London, a city filled with his iconic works, remains a hotspot for fans looking to experience his artistry firsthand. Below is a guide to Banksy’s most famous London murals, including their stories and where to find them.
1. If Graffiti Changed Anything, It Would Be Illegal (2011)
If Graffiti Changed Anything It Would Be Illegal © Banksy 2011
One of Banksy’s most iconic murals, If Graffiti Changed Anything, It Would Be Illegal, appeared on Clipstone Street, Fitzrovia, in 2011. The piece features Banksy’s signature rat beneath the red text, “If graffiti changed anything, it would be illegal,” referencing Emma Goldman’s famous quote about voting. The mural comments on the nature of graffiti and its power—or lack thereof—in societal change.
Protected by a Perspex layer, the mural has been defaced over the years but remains an important symbol of Banksy’s political commentary.
Location: Clipstone Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 5DW
2. His Master’s Voice (2003)
His Master's Voice © Banksy 2003
Two of Banksy’s earlier works, Guard Dog and His Master’s Voice, can be found in the heart of Shoreditch. Located in the courtyard of Cargo nightclub, Guard Dog mocks the authorities, while His Master’s Voice critiques the music industry. This piece takes a dig at the HMV logo, with a dog launching a bazooka at a gramophone, symbolising the clash between rebellious youth and corporate control.
Location: Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3AY
3. Shop Till You Drop (2011)
Shop Till You Drop © Bansky 2011
Shop Till You Drop, also known as the Falling Shopper, is Banksy’s stark critique of consumerism. Painted in 2011 in broad daylight, this mural depicts a woman plummeting through the air with a shopping cart, emphasising society’s obsession with materialism. The mural is still visible on Bruton Lane, though it has been weathered over time.
Location: Bruton Lane, West End, London W1J 6JQ
4. Very Little Helps (2008)
Very Little Helps © Bansky 2008
Very Little Helps, often referred to as Tesco Kids, appeared on Essex Road in 2008. The mural shows children raising a Tesco bag as if it were a flag, highlighting society's over-reliance on corporate brands. Though the artwork has been vandalised several times, it remains partially intact and is protected by a Perspex cover.
Location: Essex Road, North London, N1 8LR
5. Choose Your Weapon (2010)
Choose Your Weapon © Bansky 2008
This mural, featuring a hooded man with a barking dog on a leash, pays homage to Keith Haring’s famous Barking Dog. The contrast between the cartoon-like dog and the realistic figure critiques the role of authority and rebellion. This piece was briefly painted over after it was painted but is now visible in Bermondsey.
Location: The Grange, Bermondsey, London SE1
6. Bubble Slide Girl (2008)
Bubble Slide Girl © Bansky 2008
Bubble Slide Girl was painted on a youth club wall in Hackney in 2008, depicting a playful image of a girl using a drainpipe as a slide. The mural encourages viewers to maintain a childlike sense of joy amidst life's difficulties. Though the original mural has faded, it remains a fond memory for Banksy fans.
Location: Hackney, East London
7. Phone Tap (2011)
Phone Tap © Bansky 2011
In East London’s Poplar neighbourhood, Phone Tap incorporates a physical water tap into the artwork, showing a phone ringing to the tap. Banksy’s clever use of urban elements in this mural adds humour to the mundane environment. The piece has remained largely intact since its creation.
Location: Chrisp Street, Poplar, London E14
8. Wallpaper Hanging (2009)
Wallpaper Hanging © Bansky 2009
Located near Regent’s Canal, this mural features a city worker wallpapering over a 1985 graffiti piece. This act sparked a graffiti war between Banksy and the late King Robbo, a London graffiti legend. The rivalry resulted in numerous modifications to the mural until it was ultimately restored as a tribute to Robbo.
Location: Regent’s Canal, Camden, London NW1 8AF
9. I Love Robbo Rat (2004)
I Love Robbo Rat © Bansky 2004
The I Love Robbo Rat mural on Chiswell Street is another product of the ongoing graffiti feud between Banksy and Robbo. It features a stencilled rat holding a placard that originally read “London Doesn’t Work” but was later modified by Robbo’s tag. The image represents Banksy’s playful and rebellious style, with rats being a recurring theme in his work.
Location: Chiswell Street, Islington, London EC1Y 4SB
10. Yellow Flower (2008)
Yellow Flower © Bansky 2007
This large mural, known as Yellow Flower, turns a double yellow road line into a playful, cartoonish flower. Located in Bethnal Green, it highlights Banksy’s ability to transform everyday elements of the urban environment into works of art that disrupt traditional views of graffiti.
Location: Pollard Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6LN
11. Tox (2011)
Tox © Banksy 2011
In 2011, Banksy added a stencil of a boy blowing a bubble with the tag “Tox,” referencing the graffiti artist Daniel Halpin (aka Tox). This piece, found in Camden, comments on the divide between different types of graffiti, contrasting Tox’s repetitive tagging with Banksy’s more elaborate works.
Location: Jeffrey Street, Camden, London NW1
12. Banksy’s London Zoo (2024)
London Zoo © Banksy 2024
The most recent addition to Banksy’s London murals, dubbed Banksy’s London Zoo, appeared in 2024. The series of murals, scattered across London, depicts various stencilled animals leading a rebellion, culminating in a gorilla releasing them at the London Zoo. This immersive experience highlights Banksy’s ongoing commitment to blending political critique with playful art.
Location: Various locations across London
Exploring Banksy's London Murals
Banksy's murals in London provide a fascinating exploration of social, political, and cultural commentary. From critiques of consumerism to reflections on corporate control, Banksy’s works are more than just street art—they are visual narratives that challenge the viewer. Be sure to visit these locations while the murals are still standing, as many of them have already succumbed to damage or removal over the years.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to Banksy’s work, this guide offers a comprehensive look at his most famous London pieces, and each mural gives you a glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s most celebrated street artists. You can also visit banksymap.com to discover Banksy mural locations across the world.
Explore the world with Global Trekker, expanding your horizons through art, food, nature, business, and technology from around the world. Enjoy a new article every Wednesday and documentaries monthly. Find out ways to watch our channel here.
Broaden your mind, open your heart, and inspire your soul with Global Trekker.Follow us:
