Last year the site was sold from one advertising company to another
15:26, 13 Aug 2025Updated 15:47, 13 Aug 2025
Turbo Island(Image: Copyright Unknown)
New Banksy rumours have spread following a new addition to a wall at Turbo Island. A small stencilled rat has been sprayed on a corner of the wall at the iconic Bristol location, but despite its resemblance to the mystery artist’s work, another person has claimed responsibility.
Turbo Island sits at the corner of Stokes Croft and Jamaica Street and for years has been home to impromptu raves, bonfires and people drinking and taking drugs.
Last year the site was sold from one advertising company to another, sparking concerns about a potential new building. Turbo Island was bought by Out of Hand, an advertising company based in Bedminster that does flyering and billboards across Bristol, for £100,000.
The firm operates the billboards there, and previously denied owning the site but later admitted this was an error. Campaigners from the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft are hoping to protect Turbo Island from development, by applying to the council to register it as a “town or village green”.
This is a legal protection that ensures members of the public can access an area. But now Bristolian’s are asking if Banksy himself has joined the Turbo Island debate – or even bought it himself – after a rat, one of his returning themes, was spotted there.
Posting on Instagram yesterday, @_diebroke shared the “heavy heavy rumour” that Banksy “bought Turbo Island”, noting the rat was pointing towards the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft building as if to say “this belongs to the people”.
Bristol Live first received reports of a potential new ‘Banksy’ in mid July, but the artist would usually claim responsibility via Instagram if it was genuine. One passer-by reported: “Rumours abound on Stokes Croft about who the artist is that has stencilled a picture of a rat on Turbo Island.
“There is certainly one artist connected with Bristol who has associated himself with a rat and who already has a large artwork on Stokes Croft.”
Banksy’s Mild Mild West mural is nearby and is one of his earliest known works, having appeared in the late ’90s. The building on which it is displayed went up for auction last year.
However, a picture of the rat was shared on Instagram by stencil artist Barry_Boem, who has claimed responsibility for the piece.
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The post read: “While I was at Soestdijk Palace soaking in Kraftwerk’s electronic magic… good friends were making serious moves in Bristol. New BarryBoem pieces just landed — big love for making it happen! Meet The Rats and the Mysterious Astronaut & Jellyfish — new spacey companions bringing mischief, movement, and a little madness to the streets.
“Bristol, with all its raw edges and vibrant soul, is the perfect canvas for stories like these. From palace beats to pavement bombs — how though? Just like that. Massive thanks to Lee & Nina and Vince for the good vibes, the support, and the ever-growing love for street art. Stay tuned… more to come.”