Banksy’s Well Hung Lover – Iconic Bristol Street Art
Discover Banksy’s cheeky and iconic Well Hung Lover mural, Bristol’s first legal street art and a symbol of urban culture and defiance.
Banksy’s Well Hung Lover is a landmark street art mural located on Frogmore Street, Bristol. Created in 2006, it depicts a naked man hanging from a window ledge, hiding from a suited man and a woman in lingerie inside. This cheeky, provocative piece was the UK’s first legal street art after Bristol City Council granted retrospective permission. Despite vandalism attempts, it remains a celebrated symbol of Bristol’s vibrant urban art scene and cultural identity.
A brief summary to Banksy’s Well Hung Lover
- 1 Unity St, Bristol, BS1 5HH, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours for the best visibility and photographic opportunities.
- View the mural from the Park Street bridge opposite the building for the clearest perspective.
- Respect the artwork by not touching or attempting to climb near the mural.
- Explore nearby street art spots to experience Bristol’s rich urban art scene.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Bristol Bus Service routes 8 or 9 towards the city center; alight near Park Street. The walk from the bus stop to the mural takes about 5–7 minutes on mostly flat terrain. Tickets cost approximately £2.50–£4.00 one way.
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Train
Arrive at Bristol Temple Meads station, then take a taxi or bus (routes 8 or 9) to Park Street, approximately 10–15 minutes travel time. Taxi fares range from £6 to £10 depending on traffic.
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Walking
From Bristol city center, a 15-minute walk along Queen Square and Park Street leads you to the mural. The route is urban and accessible with paved sidewalks.
Banksy’s Well Hung Lover location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Banksy’s Well Hung Lover
A Bold Statement in Bristol’s Urban Landscape
Banksy’s Well Hung Lover mural, painted in 2006, stands on the side wall of a former sexual health clinic on Frogmore Street, Bristol. The artwork features a naked man dangling by one arm from a windowsill, his other hand clutching the window frame, as he conceals himself from a suited man leaning out the window and a woman in lingerie standing behind him. This scene humorously depicts a clandestine affair about to be uncovered, blending Banksy’s signature wit with social commentary.From Controversy to Civic Treasure
Initially created without official approval, the mural sparked debate due to its nudity and provocative imagery. However, when Bristol City Council acquired the building, it conducted a public vote on whether to preserve the artwork. An overwhelming 97% of respondents favored keeping it, making Well Hung Lover the first piece of street art in the UK to receive official retrospective legal status. This milestone marked a shift in public and governmental attitudes toward street art as a legitimate cultural expression.Location and Viewing Experience
The mural is positioned approximately five meters above street level, best viewed from the Park Street bridge opposite the building. This vantage point offers a clear, unobstructed view of the detailed stencil work. The location, near Bristol City Hall and amidst a bustling urban area, situates the piece within the heart of the city’s vibrant street art scene, drawing locals and visitors alike.Challenges and Preservation
Despite its protected status, Well Hung Lover has faced vandalism. In 2009, it was defaced by blue paintballs, some of which remain as part of its layered history since removing them would damage the artwork. In 2018, it suffered further graffiti tagging. These incidents underscore ongoing challenges in preserving street art, yet the mural’s survival and continued prominence reflect Bristol’s commitment to its cultural heritage.Artistic and Cultural Significance
Banksy’s mural encapsulates themes of infidelity, voyeurism, and irony, amplified by its placement on a sexual health clinic. The artist’s unaware discovery of the clinic’s nature adds a layer of humor to the piece’s backstory. Well Hung Lover is not just a striking visual but a symbol of Bristol’s rebellious spirit and the evolving acceptance of street art within mainstream culture.Recent Developments and Legacy
In 2024, the building housing the mural was put up for auction with a covenant ensuring the mural’s preservation and public visibility. The mural was also featured in the 2020 Bristol Festival of Light, integrated into a larger artwork celebrating local history and communities. Well Hung Lover remains a must-see cultural landmark, embodying the city’s dynamic artistic identity and Banksy’s enduring influence.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Lively
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Street Art
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly