CUTTING RATS

Post Code: N1 7LP
Map/GPS reference: TQ 32551 82807

Location

Outside Fifteen Restaurant, Westland Place. Being an advocate for tree hugging, pinko liberals, Banksy did this stencil next to Jamie Oliver’s ‘social restaurant’ Fifteen in oh-so-trendy Hoxton (he also did the same stencil on the gates to the Greenpeace office in London) as if some rats were breaking into it. Is there no end to this man’s humor? There used to be a gangsta rat just around the corner (see inset photo).

Status

Gone, circa March 2007. The rats were originally on panes of blackened glass, which have since been removed and replaced, presumably, by the owners of the building.

Next

Walk up Vestry St, until it joins East Rd.

‘SMILEY’ COPPER

Post Code: N1 7LP

Map/GPS reference: TQ 32551 82807

Location

Slightly tucked away, on the corner of Vestry Street and East Road, Banksy’s ‘Smiley’ Copper sits on a peeling wall, after having been amended by an unknown artist to make it a rather unique ‘blank faced’ copper instead. Also rather uniquely, a big Banksy tag covers the stomach area. This exact graffiti is mentioned in Banksy’s book Wall & Piece.

Status

Badly Buffed (February 2007). The wall looks a mess! Shepard Fairey added a paste-up to the wall during his visit to London in November 2007.

Next

If you fancy a bit of a walk, continue up the New North Rd to S6 and S7. Otherwise go straight to S8.

GIRL WITH BALLOON

Post Code: N1 6TA
Map/GPS reference: TQ 32696 83342

Location

On the side of some flats on the New North Road (A1200), close to Wimbourne Street.During the Spring of 2006, the balloon was repainted by an unidentified person.

Status

Painted over (March 2007). It can still be vaguely seen through the new grey paint. I suspected this might happen as the local housing estate was being renovated. When that happens, they generally give everything that doesn’t move a coat of paint as well.

Next

Continue up the new North Rd, and down Eagle Wharf Rd.

Erika & Nhatt at the Girl With Balloon