Snorting Copper

work by Banksy

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Snorting Copper is a provocative graffiti artwork by the enigmatic artist Banksy. Created on the sidewall of a public toilet in London's East End, the piece depicts a police officer appearing to inhale a line of cocaine. The work gained significant attention and is considered one of Banksy's most famous pieces. In 2007, it was spray-painted over and whitewashed by local officials. However, art restorers were able to meticulously remove the outer layers of paint, restoring the original artwork. The restored wall painting was returned to its original location in 2017.1

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Art Restoration
Beyond Canvas
In 2007 a painting called Snorting Copper, which adorned the sidewall of a public toilet in London’s East End, was spray-painted, whitewashed, and covered with wooden boards by local government officials. The controversial and provocative work, which was created by enigmatic guerrilla graffiti artist and political activist Banksy, depicts a…
Read More
In 2007 a painting called Snorting Copper, which adorned the sidewall of a public toilet in London’s East End, was spray-painted, whitewashed, and covered with wooden boards by local government officials. The controversial and provocative work, which was created by enigmatic guerrilla graffiti artist and political activist Banksy, depicts a…
Read More