Banksy has had his say on what should happen to the plinth on which a statue of slave trader Edward Colston sat until it was torn down by Black Lives Matter protestors.
The elusive street artist, who grew up in Bristol, the city in which the statue of Edward Colston was torn down by protestors during a demonstration on Sunday, before being thrown into the nearby floating harbour, has made his suggestion with a newly-designed sculpture posted to his Instagram account.
“What should we do with the empty plinth in the middle of Bristol?,” he asks his 9.3 million followers. “Here’s an idea that caters for both those who miss the Colston statue and those who don’t.
“We drag him out the water, put him back on the plinth, tie cable round his neck and commission some life size bronze statues of protestors in the act of pulling him down. Everyone happy. A famous day commemorated.”
It was only a matter of time before Banksy had his say on the felling of the statue in his home city, which made headlines around the world this week, with some even expecting a work of his to pop up close to the now-empty plinth.
It was erected in 1895 to commemorate the slave trader who died 174 years earlier to mark Colston’s huge financial contribution to the city, much of which was money gleaned from his part in the transatlantic slave trade.
The statue, and Colston’s other commemorations in the city, have been a huge point of contention to Bristolians for many years, who have long debated over whether landmarks named in his honour – and the statue – should remain.
On Sunday, during a peaceful protest, the statue was torn down, and Bristol City Council has confirmed it will be removed from the harbour and likely housed in the M-Shed museum, on the harbourside docks.
However, Banksy’s suggestion seems to have struck a chord with many in the city, who have been quick to comment on the black-and-white sketch on Instagram to back the idea.
“Brilliant idea,” wrote one commenter, while another added, “Genius”.
Much of Banksy’s early work was stenciled on walls across Bristol, and many of his most famous works still remain in the city.
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Date started: May 2018
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A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
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2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
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