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Banksy Revealed as Robin Gunningham; Name Change Explained

3/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Steve Lazarides, Banksy’s manager, confirmed that Robin Gunningham, identified by Reuters as Banksy, changed his name to David Jones in 2008 to maintain anonymity.
The change followed a 2008 exposé by Mail on Sunday.
The name change evaded public records and was linked to a 2022 Ukraine trip under the alias.
Critics are divided on Banksy’s market impact; some say anonymity boosts value, others say art stands on its own.

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Story summary

Steve Lazarides, Banksy’s manager, confirmed that Robin Gunningham, identified by Reuters as Banksy, changed his name to David Jones in 2008 to maintain anonymity.
The change followed a 2008 exposé by Mail on Sunday.
The name change evaded public records and was linked to a 2022 Ukraine trip under the alias.
Critics are divided on Banksy’s market impact; some say anonymity boosts value, others say art stands on its own.