Childhood and Education Journey of Banksy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 21, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Banksy, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Banksy is a pseudonymous English street artist, political activist, and film director whose identity remains unconfirmed. Emerging from the Bristol underground scene in the 1990s, Banksy's satirical street art and subversive epigrams blend dark humor with a distinctive stencilling technique. His works, often political and social commentary, appear globally on streets, walls, and bridges. He is known for his graffiti art that provides social commentary.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1981: Forgery and Counterfeiting Act

In 1981, the reproduction of images of banknotes was classified as a criminal offence under s.18 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act.

1990: Banksy's Graffiti Beginnings

In 1990, Banksy started as a freehand graffiti artist as one of Bristol's DryBreadZ Crew (DBZ).

1994: Banksy's Graffiti Beginnings

In 1994, Banksy continued as a freehand graffiti artist as one of Bristol's DryBreadZ Crew (DBZ).

2000: Banksy Moves to London

Around 2000, Banksy reportedly moved from Easton, Bristol, to London.

2001: Tour to Mexico

In 2001, Banksy toured with the Easton Cowboys and Cowgirls football team to Mexico, where he was the goalkeeper.

2003: Turf War Exhibition

In 2003, Banksy held an exhibition called Turf War in London, where he painted on animals, sparking protests despite RSPCA approval.

2003: Banksy Describes Anonymity

In a 2003 interview with The Guardian, Banksy, described as 28, white, and scruffy casual, explained that his anonymity is vital because graffiti is illegal.

2003: Banksy says he is called Robbie

In a BBC interview in 2003, Banksy responded that his forename is Robbie.

August 2005: West Bank Wall Images

In August 2005, Banksy created nine images on the Israeli West Bank wall during a trip to the Palestinian territories.

January 2007: Tribute to Ozone

In January 2007, Banksy created a tribute artwork for graffiti artist Ozone who died after being hit by a train, depicting an angel with a skull.

February 2007: House with Banksy Mural for Sale

In February 2007, a house in Bristol with a Banksy mural on the side was put up for sale through Red Propeller art gallery.

August 2008: New Orleans Works

In late August 2008, marking the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Banksy produced a series of works in New Orleans, Louisiana.

2008: Name changed to David Jones

In 2008, Robin Gunningham had changed his legal name to David Jones.

2008: Banksy potentially identified as Robin Gunningham

In 2008, The Mail on Sunday reported that Banksy is likely Robin Gunningham, based on the appearance of his works near Gunningham's London residence in the 2000s.

2016: Study Correlates Banksy's Works with Gunningham's Movements

In 2016, a study by Queen Mary University of London found that the incidence of Banksy's works correlated with the known movements of Robin Gunningham, who was born on July 28, 1974, near Bristol.

2016: Copyright Notice

In 2016, the American Numismatic Society received an email from a Reproductions Officer at the Bank of England, which brought attention to the illegality of publishing photos of the banknotes on their website without prior permission.

June 2017: DJ Goldie refers to Banksy as Rob

In June 2017, DJ Goldie referred to Banksy as "Rob" in an interview for a podcast, adding to speculation of the artist's identity.

November 2023: BBC interview Rediscovered

In November 2023, an interview with the BBC in 2003, which was rediscovered, reporter Nigel Wrench asked if Banksy is called Robert Banks; Banksy responded that his forename is Robbie.

2026: Reuters Investigation Identifies Banksy as Gunningham

In 2026, a Reuters investigation identified Banksy as Robin Gunningham, based on a signed confession after his arrest in 2000 for vandalizing a billboard in New York, and that in 2008, Gunningham had changed his legal name to David Jones.