In a festive surprise for the capital, the world's most famous and elusive street artist, Banksy, appears to have gifted London a new mural just days before Christmas. The artwork, confirmed by the artist on social media, appeared on Monday, 22 December 2025, in the west London neighbourhood of Bayswater.
Discovery and Confirmation via Instagram
The piece was first spotted on the side of a building in Bayswater, depicting two children lying on the ground in winter clothing, with one child pointing upwards towards the sky. Hours after its appearance, and amid growing online speculation that it was a genuine Banksy, the artist seemingly claimed responsibility by sharing an image of the mural on his official Instagram page.
This digital confirmation is a typical method for the anonymous artist, who rarely makes public statements but uses his platform to authenticate new works. The swift sharing on Instagram effectively ended the debate about the mural's origins, confirming it as an authentic Banksy installation.
A Second Site and Speculation on Meaning
Intriguingly, reports indicate that an identical image was also found at the foot of the Centre Point tower on Tottenham Court Road in central London. While this second piece is strongly suspected to also be Banksy's work, the artist's representatives have not yet confirmed he is responsible for that specific installation.
Banksy's art is renowned for its political and social commentary, often criticising government policy on issues like migration and war. The new mural's message is less overt than some of his previous works. However, some observers have suggested it could be a poignant commentary on child homelessness, a subject that resonates particularly during the winter season.
Context: Banksy's Recent Political Art in London
This Christmas piece follows another politically charged Banksy work unveiled in London just a few months earlier, in September 2025. That mural, daubed on an external wall of the Queen's Building in the Royal Courts of Justice, depicted a judge armed with a gavel looming over an unarmed protester holding a blood-splattered placard.
Its appearance coincided with a period where hundreds of protesters were being arrested for supporting Palestine Action, a group the government had banned as a terrorist organisation in July. That mural was swiftly covered up and guarded by security before removal work began, highlighting the contentious and powerful nature of Banksy's public interventions.
Despite the often-transient nature of street art, Banksy's works have achieved incredible commercial value, regularly selling for millions of dollars at auction. The artist began his career spray-painting buildings in his hometown of Bristol, evolving into a global phenomenon whose every new appearance creates instant headlines and public fascination.
