Banksy Tile ‘Well Hung Lover’

Description

Banksy Tile ‘Well Hung Lover’, also known as “Naked Man Hanging From Window”, was applied to the side wall of a building in Frogmore Street, Bristol, in 2006. It shows a naked man hanging from a windowsill, while a clothed man and a woman in lingerie look out the window. The man appears to be the woman’s lover, trying to escape her partner’s suspicions.

Banksy has made no public statement about this specific work. However, the image is often interpreted as a humorous look at relationships and infidelity. The irony is reinforced by the location: the artwork is on the wall of a former sexual health center. Banksy was reportedly unaware of this choice of location, but afterwards found it humorous when he learned of it.

In 2006, Bristol City Council conducted a public survey regarding the conservation of the artwork. With 97% of votes in favor, it became the first legal street art mural in the UK.

The artwork has been defaced several times over the years, including in 2009 with blue paint spots and in 2018 with black graffiti. Despite this, it remains an iconic example of Banksy’s work and a tourist attraction in Bristol.

In November 2024, it was announced that the building on which “Well Hung Lover” is painted will be auctioned in February 2025. The terms of sale require that the artwork be preserved and remain visible to the public.

Although Banksy himself has not provided a direct explanation of “Well Hung Lover”, the work invites reflection on themes such as relationships, trust and human nature, wrapped in his signature satirical style.

 

Size: 10x10cm