Westminster Council Considers Future of Banksy's 'Blinded by the Flag' Statue
The local authority is exploring all options for the controversial artwork's long-term placement.
Westminster City Council is currently examining all potential outcomes for Banksy's "Blinded by the Flag" statue, a piece that appeared unexpectedly in central London. The street artist installed the artwork, which depicts a man marching off a plinth with his face obscured by a flag, at Waterloo Place on April 29.
The future of the statue has been a subject of discussion since the summer, though no definitive decision has been reached. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has learned that the matter is scheduled to be addressed at an upcoming cabinet meeting.
The council has positioned itself as the custodian of the artwork, acknowledging its responsibility for the cost of ensuring the statue's safety. Westminster City Council has been in communication with the street artist's representatives. Banksy retains the copyright for the piece.
"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," a council spokesperson stated, without detailing the specific options under consideration.
The statue is situated near the Mall, in proximity to the Florence Nightingale statue and the Crimean War Memorial.