Where to find the Brighton Banksy or Kissing Coppers. We are planning a trip to Bristol in the early Summer and hope to pick up the Banksy Trail around Bristol city. Which got me thinking that people may be coming to Brighton to do the same. Although there is no trail as such just the one Brighton Banksy that had been confirmed. However, there is always speculation around potential new Banksy candidates in the city. This doesn’t surprise me considering the amazing street artists that frequent the streets. I have shared a walking tour of Brighton Street Art if you would like to make a day of it.
But enough about that, what about the Kissing Coppers? Well, they could not be easier to find. Head to the station at the top of the town and stand with it behind you. In front, you will see a long road stretching down towards the seafront. To the left likely street vendors selling all sorts of tasty treats, tempting the commuters and tourist trade. But just behind them, you can walk under the station itself down to Trafalgar Street. Its easy to spot, just keep walking out of the front to the station and look left. You will most likely see the black railings first. All you need to do is walk down through the tunnel past the Toy Museum. And you will see The Prince Albert Pub. It is hard to miss now covered in the back and white faces of famous singers of the past.
This is where the Kissing Coppers are located.
Brighton Banksy Kissing Coppers
Now I have a confession to make. What you will see on The Prince Albert Pub is not the original Banksy. In fact, it is not a Banksy at all but a copy of the original. The original appeared in 2004 and sadly caused a fair bit of controversy. Which lead to be it being vandalised two years later. It was restored and placed behind perspex until 2008 when it was removed and sent to New York to be sold. However, during the removal, a replica was put in its place. It was eventually sold for a whopping £345,000!
The replica is framed and behind perspex to make sure it is protected. However, looking at the wall of the pub with its bright colours and icons. You do have to ask yourself why would someone ruin such a wonderful piece of art. We stood for quite a while picking out the famous faces we knew and several we didn’t!
Despite being sold, the mural hasn’t stopped causing controversy. A copy of it also appeared in 2013 three days after the same-sex marriage has legalised in the UK. Causing it to hit the headlines again.
I am sure we will continue to hear rumours about potential Banksy murals in the city. I for one would love to see another appear, just like many others I am sure. But, perhaps he has decided not to on the basis the first was sold or that it was so badly vandalised. Only Banksy himself knows the answer to that one. But we live in hope and make sure you put this on your list of things to see in Brighton.
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2 Responses
I never understand why people decide to vandalise a work of art or anything else for that matter. I remember when I was a teenager, before mobile phones, trying to find a working phone box was always difficult because idiots had torn the phones out.
There were numerous Banksy pieces in Brighton back in the early 2000s. The girl holding a bomb piece (in the alleyway beside 35 Bond St) was probably the most famous prior to the kissing coppers arrival. But there were also plenty of paparazzi rats around the North Laine area. London Road also had a few higher up on rooftop walls.
Many are covered by paint and the owners of the buildings now are completely in the dark about what ‘added value’ they have waiting to be removed and sold. I know of at least two that must be under only one or two coats of white paint…