Banksy's Lost Works: On the trail of his vanishing street art

by Will Ellsworth-Jones

In this richly illustrated landmark book, author and journalist Will Ellsworth-Jones documents the sold, stolen and destroyed works of Banksy, one of the most renowned and controversial artists of our time. 

This is a book about what you can't the works that have disappeared entirely, whether destroyed by authorities or whisked into people's private art collections to languish on walls or in collector's vaults. These remarkable works are as elusive as their creator, but are returned here for public consumption and enjoyment.

A victim of his own success, Banksy is famous the world over and yet more famously disdainful of the spotlight, preferring to remain anonymous. Considered by many to be one of the greatest living artists in the world and to others a rogue vandal with a political agenda, Banksy has scandalised and enlightened the art world since his acts of guerrilla art began to appear on the streets of Barton Hill in Bristol over 25 years ago. His artworks can now be found on streets across the globe, adorning the walls of some of the world's most distinguished galleries and even being sold for millions at private auctions. 


Works unveiled in Banksy's Lost Works

• The pieces painted on partially destroyed buildings around Kyiv, Ukraine, one of which has already been cut off the wall by a group of locals. 

• Valentine's Day Mascara in Margate that has now been restored and housed in Dreamland after several interventions by Thanet District Council.

• Banksy's disappearing rats, an early symbol of the artist routinely painted over by councils when the name Banksy was more synonymous with 'vandal' than 'artist'.

This book, showcasing the often mysterious and occasionally mundane disappearances of works by one of the art world's more elusive figures, is a truly indispensable addition to the library of any Banksy fan. Sold, stolen or destroyed, discover Banksy's works that have disappeared from the wall.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

Published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Kelly Sedinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in Buffalo, I imagine my chances of seeing an actual Banksy aren't high unless I travel. This book is not just a terrific art book, but also a meditation on how temporary art can be. (Hey, Banksy! Buffalo has a LOT of walls that nobody touches or much cares about!)

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became interested in Bansky after viewing an exhibition of his pieces at the Moco Museum in Amsterdam. This book featuring photos of his street art that have been lost and the stories behind them were interesting and informative.

[Trian · Rating 3 out of 5]

B. Interesting stories - most very similar - raising a good question about what to do about street art.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned several new things with this book. And it gave much food for thought. I really enjoy Banksy and have seen Umbrella Girl in New Orleans.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up in an independent bookstore in St. Louis.
I’ve been a distant Banksy fan for many years, but hadn’t taken a deep dive ‘til now. Now I’m in a full-blown Bansky phase and have a few more books waiting in the wings.

(I bought a book about Sao Paulo street art after visiting Brasil a couple of years ago. High time I picked that back up and read it!)


-This whole book speaks to the question of artist’s intent. If street art is by nature impermanent/incomplete/imperfect (wabi-sabi) then why are we so hung up on the artist’s intent? Is his intent ‘to see what happens to it, or to have it make the artist’s intended statement unmolested for as long as possible?

In writing, an author is usually pleased w/ whatever interpretation/attachment a reader has of their work, whether or not that’s how the author ‘meant’ to have interpreted. Street artists being so very attached to the medium staying on the street seems very…traditional, of them. Having their anti-establishment work appreciated by the establishment they take as an affront, but really, have they just broken into a wider appreciation? Only accepting accolades from those whose accolades we seek seems limiting.

Personally, I like it in the street context, and I wish people would leave it be. But folks won’t, so preservation has a role. -Tough calls, and we haven’t even talked about the money yet!