Banksy Unmasked: Reuters Investigation Identifies Artist as Robin Gunningham

After decades of speculation, Reuters has published an investigation claiming to unmask Banksy, the pseudonymous England-based street artist, as Robin Gunningham. The report, published on March 13, 2026, details a years-long effort to identify the artist, drawing on evidence from Ukraine, Jamaica, and a 2000 New York arrest.

The Investigation’s Key Findings

The Reuters investigation points to Robin Gunningham, a Bristol native, as the individual behind the Banksy persona. The report suggests Gunningham later changed his name to David Jones. Key pieces of evidence include:

• A 2000 New York Arrest: A signed, handwritten confession from a 2000 arrest in New York, where Gunningham was caught defacing a Marc Jacobs billboard, is central to the claim. Reuters and The Times both highlight the significance of this confession.
• Ukraine Connection: Reuters reporters located evidence linking Gunningham to Banksy’s presence in Ukraine. Although Massive Attack frontman Robert Del Naja was likewise in Ukraine in 2022, the investigation found he was accompanied by another man identified as Gunningham.
• Fallout with Photographer: A dispute with Jamaican photographer Peter Dean Rickards, who reportedly posted photos of Banksy’s face, also contributed to the investigation.

Dismissing Previous Theories

The Reuters report challenges the long-held theory that Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack is Banksy. While Del Naja’s political views and history with graffiti aligned with Banksy’s work, the investigation suggests he was not solely responsible for the artwork.

The Value of Anonymity

The unmasking raises questions about the value of anonymity for artists like Banksy. According to an analysis by Objects of Affection Collection (OAC), Banksy’s anonymity is a key component of his “revenue model.” OAC suggests the revelation could fundamentally alter the market surrounding his work.

Banksy’s Response

Banksy’s lawyer, Mark Stephens, has stated that his client “does not accept that many of the details contained within [the] enquiry are correct,” according to Yahoo News.

Recent Work

Just days before the Reuters report, it was noted that Banksy had altered a fashion billboard at 675 Hudson Street in New York City, though he was interrupted before completing the work. Reuters reported on this incident.