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Your Ultimate Guide to Banksy Art in Bristol

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Hey there Banksy fans! Ready to dive into the brilliant world of Banksy street art in Bristol? Get ready for an artsy adventure as you discover some of Banksy’s earliest work hidden around the city streets that will absolutely leave you in awe. So, grab your walking shoes, your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover the incredible world of Banksy art in Bristol!

Who is Banksy?

From just another kid on the streets of Bristol with a can of spray paint to a world famous street artist. Who the heck is Bansky?

Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist, and film director known for his distinctive stencil-based graffiti art. Born in Bristol in 1974, he was involved in the wave of street art that took Bristol by storm in the 1980s. Banksy’s work gained significant attention in the early 2000s and he has become one of the most famous and influential contemporary artists in the world with his art found on streets, walls, and bridges in cities around the globe. His art often contains social and political messages and he is known for his satirical and thought-provoking pieces.

The identity of Banksy is not publicly known and his mysterious persona and ability to address important issues through his art have contributed to his widespread popularity and intrigue. Despite his anonymity, Banksy’s art has been exhibited in various galleries and museums, and his pieces have been sold for substantial amounts of money at auctions.

So get ready to get inspired by the man, the myth, the legend that is Banksy as you embark on an expedition to discover Bansky in Bristol.

Must-See Banksy Street Art in Bristol:

Check out our Banksy street art map below and get ready to go on a visual treasure hunt. With so many Banksy murals and masterpieces waiting to be discovered, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your walking shoes on and your camera fully charged.

1. The Mild Mild West:

Head to the heart of Bristol’s cultural quarter, Stokes Croft to discover where Banksy painted one of his earliest and most popular murals, The Mild Mild West. The artwork, showing a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at the Police, was created over three days in broad daylight in 1999, in response to various raves held in abandoned warehouses around Bristol in the 1990s. The artwork is popular with the local community who consider it a symbol of the heritage around Stokes Croft. For the best view of this piece, head to Jamaica Street Junction.

2. Well-Hung Lover:

Towards College Green and Park Street, you’ll find one of Bristol’s most famous streets – Frogmore Street, which houses one of Banksy’s most famous pieces. Among the trendy clothing stores and quirky gift shops, look up to find a scandalous scene of a man hanging from a window, escaping his mistress’s husband.

3. The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum:

One of the freshest Banksy pieces to arrive in Bristol, The Girl With The Pierced Eardrum originally appeared on the side of a building in Bristol’s Harbourside but has since relocated to Bristol Marina. Look for a clock tower and burger van and you’ll spot this beauty.

4. Grim Reaper:

One of the most infamous Banksy’s in Bristol, Grim Reaper was originally painted on the side of the Thekla Social boat moored in Bristol Harbour. To protect it from damage and wear it was removed from this location and is now on display in Bristol’s M Shed Museum (scroll down for more M Shed info).

5. You Don’t Need Planning Permission To Build Castles In The Sky

In the city centre, near Bristol cathedral you’ll find one of Banksy’s most simple pieces, You don’t need Planning Permission To Build Castles In The Sky. Painted in 2011, this sweet stencilled street art is tucked down a small road behind the Central Library called Lower Lamb Street. Originally positioned to create a smiley face, the words are in a smiling arc under two small windows, the building has since seen a door added and one window removed, but this only adds to the piece’s quirky charm.

6. Take The Money And Run

One of Banksy’s earliest and longest surviving works in Bristol, Take The Money And Run depicts the silhouettes of three thieves against a colourful backdrop. Painted collaboratively with street artists Inky and Mobz, Banksy painted this piece freehand rather than with his signature stencils. Check it out on the wall opposite the Old England Pub on Bath Buildings Road.

7. Valentines Bansky

Banksy confirmed this mural on Marsh Lane in Barton Hill was his on Valentine’s Day 2020. Close to the youth club he frequented as a young man, Banksy painted a girl firing a catapult full of red flowers onto the side of a house. The piece has experienced vandalism on a number of occasions but serves to spread love in the backdrop of anger.

Other Ways to Experience Bansky in Bristol:

1. Go on a Bristol street art tour:

Want to dive deeper into the Banksy street art scene? Join a Bristol street art tour and go on a journey through the city’s creative heart, discovering the street art home of Banksy and exploring over 30 years of street art and graffiti art history. Discover hidden gems, learn about the stories behind the art, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture that makes Bristol a Banksy a street art haven.

2. Attend a paint and sip session:

Looking to unleash your own creativity? Join one of our paint and sip sessions and let your inner artist shine. No experience required – just a willingness to have a great time, create some art, and sip on your favourite drinks. It’s a casual and fun way to connect with friends and embrace your artistic side.

3. Keep an eye out for Banksy Festivals and Events :

Street Art Bristol Outdoor Escape Game:

Questo City Exploration Games hosts interactive outdoor city games across the globe so keep your eye out for their street art inspired quests! An interactive activity where you are guided by a mobile app through the city packed with fun clues, challenges and interesting facts about the incredible street art.

Upfest:

Europe’s largest street art festival, Upfest is a biannual event and one of the city’s largest free-to-attend festivals. A highly anticipated event on Bristol’s cultural calendar, you do not want to miss Upfest 2024 with a stellar line-up of events planned featuring more than 300 artists painting live, music, stalls and activities.

4. Visit a Museum and Art gallery

Upfest Gallery:

While you are counting down the days on your calendar for Upfest, checkout The Upfest Gallery situated on North Street, Bedminster. Open Tuesday through Sunday, it’s Bristol’s longest running urban art gallery, with regular exhibitions from some of the top Bristol, UK and International graffiti and street artists. The Gallery offers Bristol’s widest selection of Urban, Illustration and Contemporary artwork alongside a bespoke framing service, limited run artist t-shirts and books.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery:

Open Tuesday through Sunday and with FREE entry, you can explore collections of art, nature and history on display in a stunning piece of architecture in the city centre. Open the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery doors to an exploration about the last billion years of Earth’s history, exploring the region’s natural wonders. At the entrance you will be able to see Banksy’s Paint-Pot Angel, which is a reminder of the hugely successful ‘Banksy versus Bristol’ Museum exhibition from 2009.

M Shed Museum:

Take a 20 minute stroll over Prince Street bridge to Wapping Wharf and discover the M Shed, a museum all about Bristol. Experience amazing film and photographs, listen to moving personal stories, encounter rare and quirky objects and add your own memories of Bristol through the interactive displays. From prehistoric times to the present day, M Shed tells the story of the city and its unique place in the world.

Explore the Different Functions Offered by Pinot & Picasso’s Here!

Ready to explore more ways to experience creativity and art? Check out the variety of functions offered by Pinot & Picasso. Whether you’re planning a team-building event, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a unique way to spend your day, we’ve got you covered.

A Guide to Street Art in Shoreditch

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Hey there, urban explorers! Ready to dive into the vibrant world of street art in Shoreditch? Get ready for a graffiti-packed adventure that will leave you in awe. From mind-blowing murals to hidden gems down every alleyway, Shoreditch is a street art paradise waiting to be explored.

So, grab your walking shoes, your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover the colourful world of Shoreditch street art. From breathtaking murals to hidden treasures, every corner of Shoreditch has a story to tell, and it’s waiting for you to explore.

Shoreditch Street Art Map:

Your perfect Shoreditch street art trail map is here!

Check it out below and get ready to embark on a visual treasure hunt. With so many masterpieces waiting to be discovered, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your walking shoes on and your camera fully charged.

Top Graffiti Streets in Shoreditch:

1. Fashion Street

If you’re all about up and coming artists, Fashion Street is your destination, showcasing some of the best new talent on the block. Keep an eye out for the signature style of the talented Mr. Cenz – his work will blow your mind and your Insta feed.

2. Sclater Street

Walking down Sclater Street is like stepping into a world where the walls come alive. The whole street is like an art gallery, showcasing the true spirit of Shoreditch with almost every corner covered in tags, collages and paintings in an overwhelming variety of styles.

3. Chance Street

Looking for the biggest murals in town? Look no further than Chance Street. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a giant rainbow canvas as you take in the massive works of art. A star of the show is Drench street artist Nerone’s giant mural bursting with colourful dreamlike flowers.

4. Grimsby Street

Grimsby Street is where the street art scene truly thrives. Every wall tells a story, and you’ll find yourself lost in the tales painted across these walls. The Great Wall of Grimsby, which can be found on the Needham’s Butchers building in Garibaldi Street, is home to a magnificent mural depicting much loved scenes in Grimsby.

5. Great Eastern Street

The vibrant energy of Great Eastern Street is mirrored in its eclectic street art. Every stroke and colour reflects the heartbeat of East London.

6. Pedley Street

Looking for a quieter street to immerse yourself in art? Pedley Street is your sanctuary – a place to let the creativity of the walls take centre stage. This spot is one not to miss, hosting a range of ever changing, diverse, totally blow your mind pieces.

7. Holywell Lane

Home to some seriously talented graffiti artists, Holywell Lane is a visual delight waiting to be explored. ‘Distraction, Destruction and Power Tools’ by the artist Fanakapan is located here and it’s a mega shiny, futuristic and thought provoking piece you will want to check off your street art tick list.

8. Redchurch Street

Redchurch Street is like a runway for street artists. Every inch of the walls showcases the talent and creativity of local artists. Get ready to go on an animalistic journey when you spot some of artist Malarky’s trademark characters or David Speed’s cute as a button ‘Red Dog’.

9. Shoreditch High Street Station

This station isn’t just a transit point – it’s a street art guide all on its own. You’ll find yourself lost in a tunnel of colours and creativity.

10. Whitby Street

Whitby Street is a canvas that tells stories. It might be on the smaller side, but this one reigns supreme featuring intricate details and bold statements, each piece of art has its own unique tale to tell. If you have a thing for French Pointillism, look out for Jimmy C’s striking portrait made from thousands of daubs of paint.

11. Old Truman Brewery

The Old Truman Brewery is a melting pot of creativity, and its walls are a canvas for artists from all around the world. The art here is as diverse as the city itself. You can literally walk all over Stella Artois’ smart street art of geometric shapes and contrasting colours, originally to help visitors safely social distance without the need for physical barriers.

12. Brick Lane

If you want to discover London’s best street art in one place, Brick Lane is your go to destination with a new piece around every corner, even adorning the bins! The walls of Brick Lane hold stories that span generations and cultures. The murals here are iconic, and the French artist’s pieces add a touch of International flair to the East London scene. Look out for French artist Zabou who has been infusing her prolific pieces around London since 2012. Don’t miss meandering down its alleyways and the little squares that shoot off of it – you might find some pretty supreme work by Banksy Fanakapan, and Mr Cenz.

13. Princelet Street

Talented artists have left their mark on Princelet Street, turning it into an open-air gallery that celebrates creativity in all its forms.

14. Hanbury Street

When it comes to street art, Hanbury Street isn’t holding back. There’s so much art here that you’ll feel like you’re walking through a visual wonderland. Look out for Belgian street artist Roa’s stunning crane perched on the side wall of the local Indian restaurant, next to some seriously dynamic break dancer art.

15. King John Court

Graffiti art takes centre stage at King John Court. This is where you’ll find the biggest street art mural both in Shoreditch and the UK. Each piece is a glimpse into the artist’s imagination, waiting to be interpreted by your own creativity.

16. Ebor Street

Looking for large-scale murals that will leave you speechless? Ebor Street is where you’ll find these monumental works of art that dominate the landscape thanks to its very large and long wall. You can’t miss Ben Eine’s 45 metre long ‘Love, Love, Love’ art written in various typefaces. A simple message that Eine hopes will bring those who see it a little bit of happiness.

17. New Inn Yard

Inn Yard is a goldmine for those looking to find street art that’s off the beaten path. Get ready to be amazed by the creativity that flows through these walls.

18. Allen Gardens

Even the gardens of Shoreditch are in on the street art action. Allen Gardens is a hidden gem where art and nature come together in perfect harmony. This small park is a green space infused with some of the most dynamic street art in Shoreditch.

19. Shoreditch Graffiti Wall at Seven Stars Yard

Further along Brick Lane, you’ll find one of the most talked about Shoreditch streets, the Seven Stars Yard (aka Shoreditch graffiti wall). This area is a giant canvas that’s never the same, with artists constantly breathing new life into the space, making it a dynamic showcase of creativity. This pub’s car park has well and truly established itself as one of the most supreme street art spots in London with the walls having featured the best of the best of international street art talent including this mural by iconic London artist Sweet Toof.

Other Ways to Experience Shoreditch Street Art Culture:

Go on a Shoreditch street art tour:

Want to dive deeper into the Shoreditch street art scene? Join a Shoreditch street art tour and let the guides take you on a journey through the city’s creative heart. Discover hidden gems, learn about the stories behind the art, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture that makes Shoreditch a street art haven.

Attend a paint and sip session:

Looking to master the art of fun? Join one of our paint and sip sessions and let your inner artist shine. No experience required – just a willingness to have a great time, create some art, and sip on your favourite drinks. It’s a casual and fun way to connect with friends and embrace your artistic side.

Keep an eye out for street art events:

Shoreditch is a hub of creativity, and there’s always something exciting happening. Keep your eyes peeled for street art events, exhibitions, and live art sessions. You never know when you might stumble upon an artist in action, turning a blank wall into a masterpiece.

Explore the Different Functions Offered by Pinot & Picasso’s Here!

Ready to explore more ways to experience creativity and art? Check out the variety of functions offered by Pinot & Picasso. Whether you’re planning a team-building event, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a unique way to spend your day, we’ve got you covered.

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