Full History Of Banksy In Timeline From 1974

July 1974: The Mail on Sunday's Claim

In 2008, The Mail on Sunday alleged that Banksy's real name is Robin Gunningham, born on July 28, 1974, in Yate, England.

1981: Forgery and Counterfeiting Act

The Forgery and Counterfeiting Act of 1981 made it a criminal offense to reproduce images of banknotes.

1990: Early Career as a Freehand Graffiti Artist

Banksy began his career as a freehand graffiti artist between 1990 and 1994 as a member of Bristol's DryBreadZ Crew (DBZ).

1993: Early Artwork on Cassette Sleeves

Two cassette sleeves featuring artwork by Banksy, signed with his name, date back to 1993 for the Bristol band Mother Samosa.

1994: Part of the Bristol Underground Scene

During the early 1990s, Banksy was an active participant in the Bristol underground scene alongside other artists like Nick Walker, Inkie, and 3D.

1997: "The Mild Mild West" Mural

Banksy created his first known large-scale wall mural, "The Mild Mild West," in 1997. The artwork depicts a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at three riot police officers.

2000: Transition to Stenciling

Around 2000, Banksy adopted stenciling as his primary art technique, finding it faster and more efficient than freehand graffiti.

2000: Move to London

Around 2000, Banksy moved from Bristol to London.

2001: Easton Cowboys and Cowgirls Football Tour

In 2001, Banksy, a goalkeeper for the Easton Cowboys and Cowgirls football team, participated in a tour with the team to Mexico.

July 2002: Los Angeles Debut Exhibition

In July 2002, Banksy's first Los Angeles exhibition, titled "Existencilism, 'an Exhibition of Art, Lies and Deviousness'," opened at 33 1/3 Gallery in Silver Lake. The exhibition ran until August 18th.

2002: Banksy Contributes to Greenpeace's "Save or Delete" Campaign

Further showcasing his support for environmental causes, Banksy created artwork for Greenpeace's "Save or Delete" campaign in 2002.

2002: Bloomberg's Graffiti Cleanup

In 2002, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg spearheaded a citywide initiative aimed at removing graffiti.

2003: "Turf War" Exhibition and BBC Interview

Banksy held an exhibition titled "Turf War" in a London warehouse in 2003, where he created art on live animals, sparking protests from animal rights activists. He also gave a rare interview to the BBC's Nigel Wrench during this time.

2003: Semi-Permanent Exhibition in Sydney

Banksy participated in a warehouse exhibition in Alexandria, Sydney, for Semi-Permanent in 2003 alongside artists such as Shepard Fairey and Dmote. Around 1,500 people attended the exhibition.

2003: Banksy Discusses His Public Art Technique

During an interview in 2003, Banksy shed light on his method for creating artwork in public spaces, describing it as "quick" and emphasizing his desire to "get it done and dusted."

2003: Royal Family Parody Mural for Blur

In 2003, Banksy created a mural parodying the Royal Family as part of a commission for the Blur single "Crazy Beat".

2003: The Guardian Interview and Early Life Details

In 2003, The Guardian published an interview with Banksy, describing him as a 28-year-old white man. The article also revealed details about Banksy's early life, such as his expulsion from school and imprisonment for petty crime. He reportedly lived in Easton, Bristol, in the late 1990s before moving to London around 2000.

2003: BBC Interview with Nigel Wrench

In a 2003 interview with the BBC's Nigel Wrench, Banksy confirmed his first name is Robbie.

August 2004: "Banksy of England" Spoof Notes

In August 2004, Banksy created spoof £10 notes featuring Princess Diana's face instead of the Queen's. He distributed these at the Notting Hill Carnival, leading some to attempt using them in shops. The notes have since become collector's items.

2004: Napalm (Can't Beat That Feeling) Release

In 2004, Banksy created a limited edition screenprint titled Napalm (Can't Beat That Feeling), appropriating the iconic 1972 photograph "The Terror of War" by Nick Ut.

August 2005: West Bank Wall Murals

Banksy travelled to the Palestinian territories and created nine images on the Israeli West Bank wall in August 2005.

2005: Banksy Creates "Show me the Monet" to Critique Consumerism

Banksy created "Show me the Monet" in 2005 as a commentary on the environmental impact of large corporations.

2005: Subverted Paintings Exhibition

Banksy held a 12-day exhibition in London's Westbourne Grove in 2005, showcasing his "subverted paintings," such as altered versions of Monet's "Water Lily Pond" and Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks."

September 2006: Barely Legal Exhibition

Banksy's "Barely Legal" exhibition, a three-day event in Los Angeles, took place in September 2006. The show featured a live elephant painted in a pink and gold floral pattern, intended to highlight the issue of world poverty.

October 2006: Record Auction Sale and "The Banksy Effect"

A set of Banksy's Kate Moss paintings sold for a record-breaking £50,400 at a Sotheby's auction in October 2006. This event, along with the rising interest in street art attributed to Banksy's success, led journalist Max Foster to coin the term "the Banksy effect."

2006: Charlie Brooker's Critique

In 2006, satirist Charlie Brooker, writing for The Guardian, criticized Banksy's work, suggesting it appealed primarily to "idiots."

February 2007: House with Banksy Mural for Sale

In February 2007, a house featuring a Banksy mural on its exterior was put up for sale, with the mural considered a key selling point.

February 2007: Record-Breaking Auction and Satirical Commentary

Several of Banksy's works were auctioned at Sotheby's London in February 2007, with "Bombing Middle England" fetching a record-breaking price. In response to the high prices, Banksy updated his website with a satirical image commenting on the art market.

April 2007: Pulp Fiction Mural, Removal, and Tribute

Banksy's Pulp Fiction mural in London was removed by Transport for London in April 2007. Banksy repainted the mural, later replacing it with a tribute to Ozone, a teenage graffiti artist who died in January 2007.

April 2007: Record-Breaking Sale of "Space Girl and Bird"

Banksy's artwork "Space Girl and Bird" sold for a record £288,000 at Bonhams of London in April 2007.

May 2007: Art's Greatest Living Briton Award

Banksy was awarded the title of Art's Greatest Living Briton in May 2007 but, in line with his anonymous persona, did not appear to accept the award.

June 2007: Theft of "The Drinker"

Banksy's sculpture "The Drinker" was stolen in June 2007.

October 2007: Banksy Spoof Note Auction

A limited-edition poster with ten uncut "Banksy of England" notes sold for £24,000 at a Bonhams auction in London in October 2007.

October 2007: Successful Bonhams Auction

Several of Banksy's works were auctioned at Bonhams in London in October 2007, with most pieces selling for significantly more than their estimated values.

January 2008: Manifesto and Website Updates

Banksy's website, which initially featured a "manifesto" about humanity and resilience, was updated in January 2008.

March 2008: Holland Park Roundabout Mural and Removal

A stencil painting, widely believed to be by Banksy, appeared on a Thames Water tower in London's Holland Park roundabout in March 2008. The local council deemed it vandalism and swiftly removed it.

April 2008: One Nation Under CCTV Creation

Banksy created the artwork "One Nation Under CCTV" in April 2008.

May 2008: The Cans Festival

Banksy hosted "The Cans Festival" in London from May 3-5, 2008, inviting artists from around the world to participate.

August 2008: Hurricane Katrina Anniversary Works

Banksy created and displayed a series of artworks in New Orleans in August 2008, commemorating the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and its devastating impact.

October 2008: Ku Klux Klan Mural and "The Village Pet Store and Charcoal Grill"

As Hurricane Gustav approached New Orleans, a mural attributed to Banksy, depicting a Ku Klux Klan member hanging from a noose, appeared in Birmingham, Alabama and was quickly removed. In October 2008, Banksy's first official New York City exhibition, "The Village Pet Store and Charcoal Grill," opened, featuring animatronic animal displays.

October 2008: One Nation Under CCTV Controversy

In October 2008, the Westminster City Council decided to paint over Banksy's "One Nation Under CCTV", claiming it was graffiti and that Banksy had no more right to paint than a child.

December 2008: The Little Diver Vandalism

In December 2008, Banksy's artwork "The Little Diver" in Melbourne, Australia, was vandalized with silver paint.

2008: Melbourne Diver Mural Vandalized

In 2008, a Banksy stencil in Melbourne, depicting an old-fashioned diver in a trench coat, was vandalized with paint.

2008: Robin Gunningham Speculation

The Mail on Sunday published an article in 2008 claiming that Banksy's true identity is Robin Gunningham, who was born on July 28, 1974.

April 2009: One Nation Under CCTV Removal

Banksy's "One Nation Under CCTV" was removed by the Westminster City Council in April 2009.

May 2009: Separation from Steve Lazarides

Banksy parted ways with his agent, Steve Lazarides, and announced that Pest Control would be the sole point of sale for his new works in May 2009.

June 2009: Banksy vs Bristol Museum Show

Banksy's largest exhibition to date, "Banksy vs Bristol Museum", opened at the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery in June 2009, featuring over 100 artworks.

August 2009: Website Update and Children of Men Appearance

Banksy's website was updated, and his work was featured in the film "Children of Men."

September 2009: Royal Family Parody Mural Removal

A Banksy mural parodying the Royal Family, commissioned for Blur's 2003 single "Crazy Beat", was removed by Hackney Council in September 2009.

December 2009: Climate Change Murals and Feud with King Robbo

Banksy created murals on global warming in December 2009, marking the end of the UN Climate Change Conference. This period also saw the beginning of a graffiti war between Banksy and King Robbo.

2009: "Devolved Parliament" Created

Banksy creates the painting "Devolved Parliament." The painting would later become one of his most famous works.

March 2010: Forgive Us Our Trespassing at London Bridge Station

A modified version of Banksy's "Forgive Us Our Trespassing" was displayed at London Bridge Station in March 2010. The poster was eventually removed by Transport for London after being altered by another graffiti artist.

April 2010: Time 100 List Entry

Banksy was featured in Time magazine's Time 100 list in April 2010, with a commentary by Shepard Fairey.

April 2010: Melbourne Council Accidentally Paints Over Mural

The Melbourne City Council unintentionally painted over a Banksy mural of a rat descending in a parachute, which was located on a council building behind the Forum Theatre.

May 2010: Banksy's Work Defaced in New York City

During May 2010, several pieces from Banksy's "Better Out Than In" series in New York City were vandalized, some merely hours after their unveiling. One instance involved a competing artist, OMAR NYC, who spray-painted over Banksy's red mylar balloon artwork in Red Hook. OMAR NYC had also defaced some of Banksy's work previously.

May 2010: New Works in San Francisco and Toronto

Several new Banksy artworks appeared in San Francisco and Toronto in May 2010, coinciding with the premiere of his film "Exit Through the Gift Shop".

2010: The Simpsons Opening Sequence

Banksy created the opening sequence for the "MoneyBart" episode of "The Simpsons" which aired in 2010, featuring commentary on working conditions and merchandise production.

2010: "Exit Through the Gift Shop" Film Debut

Banksy's documentary film, "Exit Through the Gift Shop," premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

2010: Oscar Nomination

Banksy's film "Exit Through the Gift Shop" was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 2010.

January 2011: The Simpsons Opening Sequence Storyboard Release

Banksy released the original storyboard for his opening sequence on "The Simpsons" in January 2011, revealing a more controversial version that had been edited for broadcast.

January 2011: Oscar Nomination and Street Art in Los Angeles

Banksy's film "Exit Through the Gift Shop" was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in January 2011. In the lead-up to the awards, Banksy created a series of street art pieces in Los Angeles.

January 2011: Academy Award Nomination

In January 2011, Banksy was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for his film "Exit Through the Gift Shop."

March 2011: Oscar Response Artwork

After "Exit Through the Gift Shop" did not win the Oscar in 2011, Banksy created an artwork in Weston-super-Mare, UK, depicting a child with an Oscar statue.

May 2011: Tesco Value Petrol Bomb Print and Cardinal Sin

In May 2011, Banksy released a print protesting a Tesco Express opening in Bristol and unveiled his sculpture "Cardinal Sin" addressing the Catholic Church child abuse scandal.

July 2011: Gorilla in a Pink Mask Unintentionally Painted Over

In a turn of events, one of Banksy's early creations, "Gorilla in a Pink Mask," was accidentally painted over in July 2011. This occurred during the repurposing of its location, a former social club in Eastville, into a Muslim cultural centre. For over a decade, the artwork had served as a notable landmark on the building's exterior wall.

August 2011: Exit Through the Gift Shop Broadcast

Banksy's film "Exit Through the Gift Shop" was broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK on August 13, 2011.

May 2012: Parachuting Rat Destruction

Banksy's "Parachuting Rat", painted in Melbourne in the late 1990s, was accidentally destroyed during plumbing work in May 2012.

February 2013: Slave Labour Mural Removal and Auction Controversy

Banksy's "Slave Labour" mural was removed from a London storefront and listed for auction in February 2013, causing public outcry and eventually being withdrawn from sale.

October 2013: Banksy's New York Residency Begins

Banksy commenced a month-long exhibition on the streets of New York City in October 2013. He launched a website for the event and participated in an interview with The Village Voice.

October 2013: Reactions to Banksy's Residency and Notable Works

Banksy's New York residency in October 2013 elicited varied responses, including criticism from then-mayor Michael Bloomberg, who didn't consider graffiti art. The residency featured numerous striking pieces, including a sculpture of Ronald McDonald, a video installation mimicking jihadist militants, and a modified painting later sold for $615,000.

2013: "The Banality of the Banality of Evil" Supports Anti-Homelessness Charity

Banksy's commitment to local causes led him to sell "The Banality of the Banality of Evil" in 2013. While the auction itself failed, the artwork was sold privately for an undisclosed sum to benefit an anti-homelessness charity in New York.

2013: New York Series Criticism and Defacement

During Banksy's 2013 New York series, he faced substantial criticism from other street artists like TrustoCorp, and some of his works were defaced.

2013: Vandalism and Restoration of Banksy's "Praying Boy"

In 2013, Banksy's "Praying Boy" in Park City, Utah, was vandalized. The perpetrator, facing trial, pleaded guilty to criminal mischief and was convicted. Subsequently, the artwork was restored to its original condition by a painting conservator commissioned by the building owners where "Praying Boy" is situated.

July 2014: Surprise Sale of Banksy Canvases at Auction

In July 2014, two canvases by Banksy, originally sold for $60 each during his 2013 New York residency, fetched a price of $214,000 at an auction.

October 2014: Internet Hoax Regarding Banksy's Arrest

An internet hoax in October 2014 falsely claimed that Banksy had been arrested and his identity revealed.

2014: Webby Awards Person of the Year

Banksy was named Person of the Year at the 2014 Webby Awards.

2014: "Mobile Lovers" Sale Aids Bristol Youth Club

In 2014, Banksy's artwork "Mobile Lovers," adorning a doorway, was sold for £403,000. The proceeds went towards keeping a youth club in Bristol operational.

February 2015: Banksy Visits Gaza Strip

In February 2015, Banksy traveled to the Gaza Strip, documenting his trip in a video titled "Make this the year YOU discover a new destination." During his visit, he created artworks, including a painting of a kitten on the remnants of a house destroyed in an Israeli airstrike.

August 2015: Dismaland Opens

Banksy opened "Dismaland," a satirical take on theme parks, in Weston-super-Mare, United Kingdom, in August 2015. The exhibition featured works from various artists, including Damien Hirst and Jenny Holzer.

September 2015: Dismaland Closes

Banksy's "Dismaland" exhibition in Weston-super-Mare, United Kingdom, permanently closed in September 2015.

2016: Queen Mary University of London Study

In 2016, researchers from Queen Mary University of London conducted a geographic profiling study suggesting a correlation between Banksy's artwork locations and the known movements of Robin Gunningham.

2016: Bank of England Copyright Notice

The American Numismatic Society received an email in 2016 from the Bank of England, highlighting the illegality of publishing photos of their banknotes without permission due to copyright laws.

June 2017: Goldie's Podcast Interview

During a June 2017 podcast interview, DJ Goldie referred to Banksy as "Rob," further fueling speculation about his identity.

June 2017: Banksy's UK Election Free Print Offer Sparks Controversy

In a controversial move during the 2017 UK general election, Banksy offered free prints to voters who pledged to vote against Conservative candidates in several constituencies. Voters could send in photos of their ballots to receive a limited-edition artwork. However, the Avon and Somerset Constabulary launched an investigation into potential bribery. Banksy retracted the offer on June 6, 2017, citing warnings from the Electoral Commission about invalidating the election.

2017: Banksy Creates "Mediterranean Sea View 2017" for The Walled Off Hotel

Banksy created the triptych "Mediterranean Sea View 2017" for The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem.

2017: Banksy Auctions "Civilian Drone Strike" for Charity

Demonstrating his support for various causes, Banksy sold his artwork "Civilian Drone Strike" in 2017 for £205,000. The proceeds went to Campaign Against Arms Trade and Reprieve. The piece was featured in the "Art the Arms Fair" exhibition, organized in opposition to the DSEI arms fair.

2017: EU Trademark Regulation

In 2017, the European Union implemented Regulation 2017/1001, which outlines the rules and regulations for trademarks within the EU.

2017: The Walled Off Hotel Opens

To mark the 100th anniversary of British control of Palestine, Banksy opened "The Walled Off Hotel" in Bethlehem in 2017. The hotel, featuring rooms designed by Banksy, Sami Musa, and Dominique Petrin, offers views of the wall separating the West Bank and Israel. It also houses an art gallery.

October 2018: "Balloon Girl" Self-Destructs at Auction

In October 2018, Banksy's artwork, "Balloon Girl," was sold for £1 million at a Sotheby's auction. However, the painting was partially shredded by a device hidden within the frame after the hammer fell. Banksy later claimed responsibility for the act, explaining it was a planned stunt.

2018: Banksy Returns to New York

Banksy returned to New York in 2018, five years after his previous residency. He created several pieces, including "Rat Race," which was removed shortly after its appearance. Other works, like a mural of Zehra Doğan, remain on display.

2018: "Dream Boat" Raffle Benefits Help Refugees

In 2018, Banksy's sculpture "Dream Boat," previously displayed at Dismaland in 2015, was raffled to raise funds for the NGO Help Refugees (now Choose Love). The raffle took place at a pop-up Choose Love shop in Carnaby Street, with a minimum donation of £2 per weight guess.

2018: "Girl with Balloon" Self-Destructs at Auction

In an unprecedented art world event in 2018, Banksy orchestrated a live art stunt. As his piece, "Girl with Balloon," went under the hammer at Sotheby's, a shredder concealed within the frame was triggered. This partially destroyed the painting, effectively birthing a new artwork. The shredder had been installed years prior in anticipation of a potential auction. The resultant piece, the half-shredded painting within its frame, was retitled "Love is in the Bin."

May 2019: Season's Greetings Mural Moved

In May 2019, Banksy's "Season's Greetings" mural in Port Talbot, which depicted a child tasting falling snow that turned out to be ash from a dumpster fire, was moved to a gallery in the town's Ty'r Orsaf building.

October 2019: Gross Domestic Product Shop Opens

In October 2019, Banksy opened a pop-up shop called "Gross Domestic Product" in Croydon, South London. The purpose of the shop was to strengthen his position in a trademark dispute with a greeting card company, Full Colour Black, that was challenging his trademark.

October 2019: "Devolved Parliament" Sets Auction Record

In October 2019, Banksy's 2009 painting "Devolved Parliament," depicting Members of Parliament as chimpanzees, was sold at Sotheby's in London for nearly £9.9 million, setting a record for the artist's work.

2019: Banksy Designs Merchandise for Bristol Homeless Charities

Continuing his support for his hometown, Banksy designed merchandise in 2019 to raise funds for homeless charities in Bristol.

February 2020: Valentine's Day Mural Appears

On February 13, 2020, Banksy's Valentine's Day mural appeared in Bristol, depicting a young girl firing a slingshot of real flowers. Banksy confirmed it as his work on Instagram.

May 2020: Banksy Honors NHS Workers with "Game Changer" Painting

As a tribute to National Health Service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Banksy donated his painting "Game Changer" to a hospital in May 2020.

May 2020: "Game Changer" Honors NHS Staff

In May 2020, during the global coronavirus pandemic, Banksy created "Game Changer," a painting dedicated to NHS staff. He donated it to the University Hospital of Southampton.

July 2020: Banksy's "Mediterranean Sea View 2017" Raises Millions for Bethlehem Hospital

In July 2020, Banksy's triptych "Mediterranean Sea View 2017" fetched £2.2 million at auction. The proceeds were donated to a hospital in Bethlehem. The paintings, initially created for The Walled Off Hotel, depict Romantic-era seascapes altered to include lifebuoys and life jackets, referencing the European migrant crisis.

August 2020: Banksy Funds Refugee Rescue Boat "Louise Michel"

In August 2020, it was revealed that Banksy had privately financed a rescue boat, the "Louise Michel," to aid refugees in distress in the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel, a former French Navy boat, was painted pink and adorned with an image of a young girl holding a heart-shaped safety float.

September 2020: EU Rules Against Banksy in Trademark Dispute

On September 2020, The European Union Intellectual Property Office ruled in favor of Full Colour Black in the trademark dispute over Banksy's "Flower Thrower." The judges ruled that Banksy's trademark was invalid, citing the artist's attempt to trademark the work was done in bad faith.

2020: "Show me the Monet" Fetches Millions at Auction

Banksy's "Show me the Monet," a reimagining of Claude Monet's "Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies" incorporating shopping carts and a traffic cone, was sold for £7.5 million at Sotheby's Contemporary Evening Auction in 2020.

March 2021: Record-Breaking Sale of "Game Changer"

Banksy's "Game Changer" painting sold for £14.4 million at auction, setting a new record for his work. The proceeds were donated to NHS-related organizations and charities.

March 2021: "Game Changer" Auction Benefits NHS Charities

Banksy's "Game Changer" painting, donated to honor NHS workers, was auctioned for £14.4 million in March 2021. The proceeds were distributed among various NHS-related organizations and charities.

March 2021: Escaping Prisoner Mural in Reading

In March 2021, a mural of an escaping prisoner appeared on the side of Reading Prison. Banksy later claimed responsibility for the artwork.

August 2021: "A Great British Spraycation" and "The Outlaws" Collaboration

August 2021 saw Banksy create several artworks in East Anglia, titled "A Great British Spraycation." He also created an original artwork for the BBC comedy "The Outlaws," featuring a stencilled rat.

October 2021: "Love is in the Bin" Resale

The partially shredded "Balloon Girl," renamed "Love is in the Bin" after the shredding incident, was resold for £18,582,000 at a Sotheby's auction in London in October 2021.

November 2022: Murals in Ukraine

Banksy confirmed his visit to Ukraine by posting images on social media of murals he created in several locations, including Borodianka, Kyiv, Irpin, Hostomel, and Horenka.

November 2023: Rediscovery of 2003 BBC Interview

A 2003 BBC interview resurfaced in November 2023, where reporter Nigel Wrench asked Banksy if he goes by "Robert Banks." Banksy confirmed his first name is Robbie.

2024: Upper Holloway Mural

On Saint Patrick's Day in 2024, a new Banksy mural appeared overnight on a housing estate wall in Upper Holloway, London. The artwork depicts lush foliage in Islington's municipal green and a life-sized worker spraying the wall with a pressure washer.

History of Banksy in Timeline