An investigation reveals Banksy's real name... But was it really necessary to break the myth?

©Olegs Jonins via Unsplash

Behind Banksy's famous pseudonym lies the name of Robin Gunningham, later legally changed to David Jones. This is the conclusion of a recent Reuters investigation, based on a hypothesis already put forward in 2008 by the Mail on Sunday.

The British artist - as we know - has built his reputation, in addition to his incredible talent, on his anonymity. Known for his secretive nature, to the point of never showing his face or revealing his identity, Banksy has accustomed us, over the years, to seeing his extraordinary works pop up 'by surprise'. His socio-political murals appear on city streets, starting in Bristol, UK, where he grew up.

His works usually appear in record time; sometimes, local residents 'wake up' to discover a new painted wall. And everything always takes place in the strictest anonymity. This aura of 'mystery' has nurtured the charm, and therefore the success, of this incredible and eclectic artist.

But curiosity is part of human nature, and journalists and enthusiasts alike began to investigate: "Who is Banksy?" Back in 2008, the Mail on Sunday investigated and put forward an initial hypothesis: behind the pseudonym was Robin Gunningham, born in 1973 and raised in Bristol.

Today, Reuters has updated this investigation, confirming the first hypothesis and suggesting that the artist, precisely to protect his anonymity, had his name legally changed to David Jones. This is one of the most common names in the UK and, not coincidentally, David Bowie's real name, the Thin White Duke, which is said to have inspired a famous portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

We wonder, however, whether all this investigation was really necessary: human beings are curious, and journalism has the right to investigate (within the law). But in this case, it may be different: Banksy not only seeks anonymity, he has made it his strength and, in a way, his works are also made of this anonymity. (...)

(©GreenMe.it 2026/Managing editor: Selma Keshkire - The Press Junction/Picture: Olegs Jonins via Unsplash)