Two Mysterious Banksy Murals Appear in London, Sparking Debate on Homelessness
Something quietly powerful has happened on the streets of London, and as usual, it arrived without warning. Two identical murals, now widely believed to be the work of the elusive street artist Banksy, have appeared in different parts of the city, instantly drawing attention, curiosity, and deeper reflection.
The first mural was spotted on Queen’s Mews in Bayswater, painted high on a wall above a row of garages. Not long after, an identical image was noticed outside the iconic Centre Point tower in central London. Banksy later confirmed the Bayswater artwork by posting an image on his Instagram account, which is typically how he authenticates his work. While the Centre Point mural has not been officially confirmed by his representatives, it is widely understood that it was also created by him.
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The artwork itself is simple but emotionally loaded. It shows two children lying on the ground, bundled up in winter coats, wellington boots, and bobble hats. One of the children is pointing upward, as if gazing at something hopeful in the sky. At first glance, the scene feels quiet and innocent, but the longer it is observed, the heavier its meaning seems to become.
Many believe the locations were carefully chosen. The Centre Point tower, in particular, carries a long and complicated history tied to housing injustice. Built in the 1960s, the building famously stood empty for more than a decade while homelessness in London worsened, becoming a symbol of inequality. A major homelessness charity was even named in response to it. Today, the tower has been converted into luxury apartments, which only sharpens the contrast.
Artists and Banksy followers have suggested that the murals are making a clear statement about child homelessness, especially at a time of year when celebration and comfort are often taken for granted. One artist noted that people walking past the mural at Centre Point barely stop to look, which in itself feels like part of the message. Much like homeless children lying on the streets, the artwork is seen but not truly noticed.
There is also interest in the imagery itself. Some fans believe one of the children resembles a character Banksy painted back in 2018, making this a rare reuse of a figure in his work. If true, that repetition may be intentional, reinforcing a message that has never really gone away.
Banksy has not explained the meaning behind the murals, as is typical. Instead, the message has been left to the streets, and to the people passing by, whether they stop to look or not.
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