Street artist Banksy installed a new statue of a man walking with a flag at Waterloo Place in central London [1].

The appearance of the sculpture marks a return to public installations for the elusive artist, whose work often blends social commentary with surprise urban placement. Because Banksy rarely confirms his work immediately, the sudden appearance of a signed piece in a high-traffic area of the UK capital typically triggers significant public and commercial interest.

The statue was first discovered in the early morning of April 29, 2026 [1]. The piece depicts a man carrying a flag and features the name "Banksy" signed directly on its base [2]. The installation appeared in the heart of London, specifically at Waterloo Place [3].

Following the discovery, the artist used Instagram on April 30, 2026, to claim the work [1]. While some reports initially suggested the artist had not yet confirmed the sculpture's paternity [4], the social media post provided the confirmation typical of the artist's method of verification.

Banksy is known for using the city as a gallery, placing works in locations that contrast the art with its surroundings. This latest installation follows his long-standing practice of creating surprise street-art pieces to comment on various social themes [1].

Local authorities and crowds have gathered around the site since Wednesday to view the sculpture. The placement of the statue at the edge of a void has further drawn attention to the piece as a potential commentary on precariousness or transition [5].

“The piece depicts a man carrying a flag and features the name "Banksy" signed directly on its base.”

The installation reinforces Banksy's role in transforming public spaces into sites of spontaneous cultural debate. By placing a physical statue rather than a stencil or painting, the artist shifts the scale of his urban interventions, potentially challenging the traditional permanence of civic monuments in central London.