A celebrated Banksy artwork featuring a rat dangling from a clock has found a permanent home at the London Transport Museum after years in storage. The street art piece, created by the anonymous artist in 2019, originally appeared on a Transport for London signal controller cabinet in Croydon as part of Banksy's pop-up showroom installation called "Gross Domestic Product."
The artwork gained widespread attention when Banksy featured it in a video posted on his Instagram account in October 2019. The piece clearly references the iconic clock-hanging scene from Harold Lloyd's 1923 silent comedy film "Safety Last!" where the actor famously dangles from the hands of a large clock on the side of a skyscraper. Banksy's interpretation replaces the human figure with one of his signature rats, maintaining the dramatic pose and precarious position.
Transport for London officials made the decision to remove the artwork from its original location due to serious security concerns. Beyond protecting its significant artistic and commercial value, authorities worried that theft attempts could severely damage the critical signaling system housed within the cabinet. The electronic equipment inside plays a vital role in London's transportation network, making any disruption potentially dangerous for commuters.
After spending several years safely stored away from public view, the artwork has now been installed in the museum's poster gallery, located near the upper-level entrance. Museum officials have chosen not to create obvious signage directing visitors to the piece, allowing for more organic discovery by guests exploring the collection. To preserve the artwork's original context and meaning, curators have mounted it on an identical cabinet body before placing it behind protective glass walls.
Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of the London Transport Museum, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition to their collection. "Banksy's work always sparks a reaction – whether it's funny, political, or makes you think – and people really connect with it," McKay stated. "Banksy's art is part of the city's story, loved by Londoners and visitors alike. While 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."
The piece is now on semi-permanent display, giving art enthusiasts and casual museum visitors alike the opportunity to examine Banksy's technique and messaging in a controlled environment. This acquisition represents another significant addition to London's cultural landscape, preserving street art that might otherwise have been lost to vandalism or weather damage while making it accessible to a broader audience.
