Reuters Identifies Banksy as Robin Gunningham

A comprehensive investigation by Reuters has identified the elusive street artist known as Banksy as Robin Gunningham, a Bristol native who reportedly changed his name to David Jones around 2008. The report, published on March 13, draws on interviews, public records, and previously undisclosed documents to link the pseudonym to Gunningham, reigniting long-standing speculation about one of the art world's most guarded secrets.

Banksy, renowned for his stencil-based graffiti that critiques politics, war, capitalism, and social issues, has maintained anonymity for over three decades. His works, often appearing unannounced on walls in cities like London, New York, and Bethlehem, have become cultural icons and fetched tens of millions in sales. The artist's secrecy has fueled his mystique, with pieces such as "Girl with Balloon"—famously shredded at a 2018 Sotheby's auction, later resold for 25 million pounds as "Love Is in the Bin"—amplifying his anti-establishment image.

Reuters' probe, titled "In Search of Banksy," involved scrutinizing statements from Banksy and his associates, as well as interviews with more than a dozen insiders and experts. Investigators reviewed U.S. court...