Council “exploring all options” for Banksy’s flag statue in London

Westminster City Council has said it is “exploring all options” for the future of Banksy’s flag statue in central London, which the artist installed in Waterloo Place earlier this year. The work, commonly referred to as Blinded by the Flag, depicts a suited man marching forward off a plinth while carrying a large flag that completely obscures his face. It appeared in Waterloo Place in the early hours of April 29, close to statues of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War Memorial. Although Banksy’s signature was visible on the sculpture, he formally confirmed it was his work the following day by sharing footage of its overnight installation. At the time, Westminster City Council welcomed the piece as a “striking addition to the city’s vibrant public art scene” and said it would remain accessible for the public to enjoy. Five months later, however, the council is considering what should happen to the work in the longer term. “Over the summer the council has been exploring all options for the Banksy Statue in Waterloo Place,” a council spokesperson said. “No formal decision has been made about its long-term future.” The council did not specify what those options are,...