Banksy graffiti removal costs London authorities £85,000

Authorities in London are taking action against a recent Banksy graffiti piece located at the Queens Building, part of the city’s justice center. The artwork, which appeared in September 2025, depicts a judge in a traditional wig and robe using a gavel against a protester on the ground, serving as a critique of the legal system.

Because the building is a protected heritage site, officials are obligated to preserve its original character. After initial attempts to wash the graffiti away failed, the site was covered with black plastic film and protected by metal barriers and security guards. Ultimately, officials utilized specialized laser technology to remove the work. The removal process is estimated to have cost approximately £85,000 (roughly €100,000).