A Banksy Artwork Found On A TfL Traffic Signal Box Is Now On Display At A London Museum

"Whilst this artwork could not remain in its original location, it's fantastic to display it here in the museum for visitors to enjoy it up close." Image: Transport for London

A Banksy artwork of a peeved-looking rat dangling from a clock face has gone on display at London Transport Museum in Covent Garden.

The work was painted on the door of a TfL signal controller cabinet — used to operate nearby traffic lights and tram signals — in Croydon's Church Street in October 2019, where it briefly stood outside the artist's pop-up showroom installation, Gross Domestic Product.

Understandably, the door was removed by TfL for safekeeping, and now, six years on, has been affixed to an identical looking cabinet and placed in a vitrine, to be ogled by the public once more — although you'll need to pay the museum entry fee to see it.

Says Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of London Transport Museum: "Banksy's work always sparks a reaction — whether it's funny, political, or makes you think — and people really connect with it. Banksy's art is part of the city's story, loved by Londoners and visitors alike.

"Whilst this artwork could not remain in its original location, it's fantastic to display it here in the museum for visitors to enjoy it up close."

Banksy has previously said about the use of rats in his artwork: "Rats exist without permission. They are hated, hunted and persecuted. They live in quiet desperation amongst the filth. And yet they are capable of bringing entire civilisations to their knees. If you are dirty, insignificant and unloved then rats are the ultimate role model."

When the new London Museum opens next year, it'll have a Banksy of its own on display; namely an old City of London police box sprayed with piranhas.