This caused quite a stir, as does any new Banksy artwork, when first discovered in Waterloo Place, central London.
As you can see below, he picked his location with care: the place is full of historical memorials and grand statues of the “Great and Good”.
Seen from a distance the scale perfectly fits its setting.
The besuited male figure steps with assurance towards The Mall, oblivious to the fact that, blinded by the large flag he’s brandishing, he is about to fall off the solid ground of his plinth.
He’s confidently leading the way, marching to his destruction.
You see close up that it looks like a set prop signed at the base. I don’t know how long it will be there but the response so far has been very positive.
It works perfectly as a contemporary piece in this setting of the past glories of Empire, between the Institute of Directors and Athenaeum Club in the heart of the establishment.
