23/08/2026
🗂️ CATALOGUE - RUDE COPPER (2002)
One of the earliest and most significant images from Banksy’s printmaking history, Rude Copper dates from 2002 and is widely regarded as his first organised commercial print release.
The image itself has its roots in Banksy’s early street practice. Before appearing as a print, a version was reportedly painted on a London wall showing two policemen simultaneously giving the viewer the middle finger. For the subsequent screenprint, Banksy reduced the composition to a single officer — turning the familiar figure of British authority into something confrontational, absurd and unmistakably Banksy.
The print was produced at a particularly formative point in Banksy’s career, in conjunction with Steve Lazarides, who had begun working with the artist around this period. Early examples were famously sold directly by Lazarides, reportedly from the boot of his car — a long way from the established international market that would follow.
Originally conceived as an edition of 100, the release ultimately became an edition of 250 screenprints, with approximately 50 believed to have been signed. The edition was produced on two different paper stocks, with many examples carrying Banksy’s distinctive red ink stamp.
Adding further complexity to the edition, around 30 examples are understood to have been individually hand-finished with spray paint, including yellow and grey variations, while other rare examples incorporate Banksy’s anarchy symbol.
Published by Pictures on Walls, London, Rude Copper captures the raw, DIY nature of Banksy’s earliest commercial releases — before the queues, auction records and international recognition.
More than two decades later, it remains a brilliantly direct example of the humour, provocation and anti-authoritarian imagery that defined Banksy’s early work.
