Paul "Don" Smith's (also known as 'The Banker') artwork on the streets in London is easily-recognisable, and his work is one of my favourites. I've tracked a few of his paintings down across London to show here. Most of his work is portrait-based, and he paints many famous historical figures.
His 'tag' is a simple silhouette of a banker, and he also uses his name (simply DON) next to his artwork. I like the banker image because it is funny but instantly recognisable, and I've noticed this in many places. Apparently the banker's hat is meant to be a tap (according to the interview here: http://littlelondonobservationist.wordpress.com/2013/02/06/london-art-spot-paul-don-smith/), but I always thought it was a propeller on his hat and that the banker was suspended in mid-air, sort of like he was flying.
I hope you enjoy the collection of photographs of Paul "Don" Smith's artwork that I have gathered below. I'll post more up when I discover them.
During the Olympics, Paul "Don" Smith was busy painting portraits of the Olympians. Some of these can still be seen on Hanbury Street. This wall also contains a crying queen, an anti-slavery ship, and a row of penguins.
"Heart of Gold" and a portrait of a young child are on a small strip of wall near the wall of Olympians pictured previously.
Another image, next to the famous banker image, features Ed Dempsi.
Additional works on or near Brick Lane include Pitt Brooks Forester, a time machine, and a guy wearing a gas mask. (Gas masks feature in some of his other portraits in other locations.)
Elizabeth Taylor features in the portrait above. She was born in London to American parents.
"Falling in Love" (across from Spitalfields Market) has since been covered up by paste-ups, which always seems to be the way of artwork on the streets. I think this one was created around the Olympics.
Additional works on Brick Lane are Paul Weller and The Who.
Del Boy from "Only Fools and Horses", a popular British sitcom, also makes an appearance on Brick Lane. The artist also seems to create artwork for others, such as this rainbow bow (and ship), dedicated to "Sarah". (Both of these are located on Brick Lane.)
A simple "Articulate" pallet and brushes is located on Redchurch Street, though this may have now been covered up.
A painting dedicated to Neil Armstrong is located on Sclater Street where there are some building works going on at the moment.
The above selection of photographs of Don Smith's artwork was taken in various locations. The flag, tube train, and Big Ben were photographed in Notting Hill. I assume that Don Smith had this work commissioned for a restaurant; it's not far from the Notting Hill tube station. The "World Peace" cake image was used in the skate park on South Bank, and it was also used on Redchurch Street.
The above photograph is another shot taken of the restaurant front in Notting Hill.
The commemorate the queen's Diamond Jubilee last June, Don Smith created the above portrait. This is located on a back street between Spitalfields and Brick Lane, and it is next to an image of Charles Dickens.
The above portrait is Jimi Hendrix, and I think it is also on Brick Lane.
Another Hendrix and "World Peace" cakes and a Mona Lisa were located at the South Bank skate park.
Great Eastern Street has a Mona Lisa portrait with Paris skyline underneath.
The above one seem to be recent, and it's located in an alleyway near Shoreditch High Street, not far from Box Park and Boundary Road.
In addition to the above, these super-D paste-ups were recently added. One was underneath the previous image, and the other was near Hanbury Street and Spitalfields. It did not last very long before another paste-up was placed over it.
The above robin is also new, and it made a welcome sight after so many cold days this spring. The robin is located on Brick lane, underneath the rainbow bow painting.
The last images are also new and feature a small boy, Tommy. One has an Easter message, and it is located in Blackall Street. The other is located on Hanbury Street, just off Brick Lane where there are many large-scale street art artwork.
View Paul "Don" Smith's website: http://www.pauldonsmith.com
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