Banksy’s Rat Clock: Now on Display at London Transport Museum

A Banksy artwork featuring a disgruntled rat dangling from a clock face is now on display at the London Transport Museum. Originally painted on a traffic signal controller cabinet door in Croydon in 2019, as part of the artist’s pop-up showroom, ‘Gross Domestic Product’, the piece was later removed by Transport for London (TfL) for preservation. Now, after six years, it’s been carefully affixed to a replica cabinet and showcased in a protective vitrine within the museum. The museum’s Director and CEO, Elizabeth McKay, highlights the artwork’s ability to spark reactions and its connection with Londoners and visitors alike. The decision to move the artwork from its original location was deemed necessary for its protection and ensures wider public access. Banksy himself has commented on his use of rats as symbols of resilience and defiance, viewing them as ‘ultimate role models’ for the underdog. This exhibition of the rat artwork adds to the collection of Banksy pieces held by London museums. A separate Banksy piece, a police box adorned with piranhas, is also slated for display at the new London Museum upon its opening next year, demonstrating the growing recognition and preservation of Banksy’s work within London’s cultural landscape. The artwork’s relocation ensures its longevity and allows a broader audience to appreciate its unique artistic and social commentary.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/transport/banksy-london-transport-museum)