Banksy, one of the most famous and beloved artists in the world, has left his mark on Bristol in ways few could have imagined. Though his pieces now sell for millions globally, it was his work in Bristol that first catapulted him into the spotlight.

Since the 1990s, Banksy has created art across the city, with many of his pieces still intact and adored by locals. Having grown up in Easton himself, Banksy has kept his identity shrouded in mystery, making it notoriously difficult to verify which pieces are authentic or not. However, the art he’s left behind is undeniable showcases both his talent and social commentary.

Here’s a guide to some of Banksy’s best-known pieces that have been, or still are, displayed around Bristol. Make sure to see a few (or all) if you’re visiting:

Mild Mild West

80 Stokes Croft (BS1 3QY)

One of Banksy’s earliest works, this mural shows a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at riot police. Painted in the late ’90s, it’s widely considered a response to the crackdown on illegal raves by police at the time. It still resides on a residential building on Stokes Croft.

You Don’t Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky

41 Lower Lamb Street (BS1 5QR)

Often missed by passers-by, this mural combines words and air vents to form a smiley face. Located near Bristol Cathedral and the Central Library, it is thought to be a message about dreaming without limits.

Take the Money and Run

St. Andrew’s Road and Bath Buildings (BS6 5EH)

An early Banksy work, created before he turned to his more notable stencilling technique. Originally a collaboration with other artists, this piece has been restored after being covered up. It shows Banksy’s signature wit and style.

Cat and Dog

18 Robertson Road (BS5 6JY)

Found in Banksy’s hometown of Easton, this work features the strong quote: “There are crimes that become innocent or even glorious through their splendour, number, and excess.”

Masked Gorilla (Removed)

139 Fishponds Road (BS5 6PR)

Once located on the wall of the Jalalabad Islamic Centre, this piece was accidentally painted over in 2011. The artwork has since been restored, but it lost its original vividness. In 2020, it was set to be auctioned, only for the sale to be postponed due to the pandemic.

The Grim Reaper

M-Shed Museum (BS1 4RN)

Originally stencilled on the Thekla, a floating nightclub on the Harbourside, this piece now resides safely inside the M-Shed Museum. It depicts the Grim Reaper carrying a scythe.

Rose Trap

Thomas Street North (BS2 8LX)

A delicate rose trapped in a mousetrap; this smaller piece was loved by locals so much they framed it for protection. It was sadly vandalised in 2020, but thanks to the protective framing, the artwork survived.

Well Hung Lover

7 Park Street (BS1 5HR)

Stencilled on the side of the Brook Sexual Health Clinic, this piece depicts a naked man hanging from a window. Best viewed from the Park Street bridge, it has been defaced multiple times, but its boldness remains unchanged.

The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum

Hanover Place and Sydney Row (BS1 6UU)

A parody of Vermeer’s famous painting ‘The Girl With The Pearl Earring’,  this piece features a girl with a security alarm as her earring. First appearing in 2014, it was given a face mask during the pandemic in 2020, further adding to its social commentary.

The Girl with the Stick

Bridge Farm Primary School (BS14 0LL)

Painted in 2016, this artwork was a thank you from Banksy to the school for naming a building after him. The mural depicts a young girl with a stick, playing on themes of innocence and strength.

Valentine’s Day

Marsh Lane, Barton Hill

Unveiled on Valentine’s Day in 2020, this mural shows a child launching a slingshot with rose petals flying into the air, creating a symbol of both violence and innocence. Though vandalised soon after, it became a focal point of local street art culture.

Banksy’s influence on Bristol is undeniable, with many of these pieces acting as cultural landmarks for residents and visitors alike. Though his identity remains up in the air, his art continues to speak volumes about society, politics, and human nature. Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to his work, Bristol offers a treasure trove of his iconic pieces just waiting to be explored. Enjoy exploring the city!

Published: 27.01.25 by Phoebe Clutton