The real identity of the famous street artist Banksy may have been uncovered in a new investigation by Reuters.
Journalists claim the artist is Robin Gunningham, a native of Bristol, who allegedly changed his name after his identity was first exposed. The claim is partly based on a 2000 arrest in New York City for graffiti vandalism, where police records reportedly included a confession signed by Gunningham.
Banksy’s former manager Steve Lazarides said the artist later decided to “kill his past,” suggesting the name Robin Gunningham no longer exists.
The investigation also suggests the artist may have later used the name David Jones. This detail reportedly emerged after new Banksy artworks appeared in Ukraine in 2022, around the same time a man named David Jones crossed into Poland with Robert Del Naja.
Banksy’s lawyer Mark Stephens urged Reuters not to publish the investigation, citing safety concerns and disputing parts of the report. Banksy’s official company, Pest Control Office, declined to comment.
The artist has kept his identity secret for decades while gaining global fame for politically charged stencil graffiti in cities such as London, Paris and Bethlehem.
