Westminster Council Considers Banksy Statue's Future
City council has spent nearly £60,000 on security and barriers for the artwork.
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Westminster City Council is examining every potential outcome for Banksy's "Blinded by the Flag" statue, which stands in Waterloo Place in central London. The artwork, a sculpture of a man with his face obscured by a flag, was put in place on 29 April. Discussions regarding its ongoing presence were held over the summer but did not result in a definitive decision. The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that the matter is scheduled for consideration at an upcoming cabinet meeting.
The council has assumed responsibility for the statue, referring to itself as its custodian. It has also been in communication with the team representing the street artist Banksy. While Banksy retains copyright ownership, Westminster City Council is accountable for the expenses associated with ensuring the statue's safety. A spokesperson for the council stated that "Over the summer the council has been exploring all options for the Banksy Statue in Waterloo Place. No formal decision has been made about its long-term future." The specific options under consideration were not disclosed.
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Costs and Vandalism
The statue is situated near the Mall, in proximity to the Florence Nightingale statue and the Crimean War Memorial. Critics have interpreted the artwork as a commentary on the repercussions of unquestioning loyalty to national symbols. In response to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the BBC in August, the council reported that it had incurred expenses of almost £60,000. These costs were attributed to safety barriers, administrative duties, and the employment of a security guard to monitor the artwork. Although the statue itself has remained largely undamaged, its plinth has been marked with a spray-painted tag.
The future of the "Blinded by the Flag" statue will be a subject for discussion at a forthcoming cabinet meeting of Westminster City Council.
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Questions this report answers
+What is happening with Banksy's statue in Waterloo Place?
Westminster City Council is exploring all possible options for the future of the 'Blinded by the Flag' statue. The council is responsible for its safety and has been in contact with the artist's team. A formal decision on its long-term future has not yet been made.
+How much has the council spent on the statue?
The council has spent nearly £60,000 on the statue since it was erected on 29 April. This expenditure covers safety barriers, administrative costs, and the provision of a security guard.
+Has the statue been damaged?
While the artwork itself has largely remained undisturbed, its plinth has been defaced with a spray-painted tag. The council is responsible for the statue's upkeep and security.
+When will a decision be made about the statue?
The future of the 'Blinded by the Flag' statue will be discussed at an upcoming Westminster City Council cabinet meeting. No date for this meeting has been specified in the provided information.
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