On December 7, 2019, two painted reindeer appeared painted on a wall in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, looking as if they were pulling an actual bench as if it were a sledge.
Hours later, Banksy claimed the work, posting a photograph of a homeless man called Ryan resting on the bench.
He added the words: “God bless Birmingham.
“In the 20 minutes we filmed Ryan on this bench passers-by gave him a hot drink, two chocolate bars and a lighter – without him ever asking for anything.”
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Since then, the Vyse Street artwork has been fiercely protected by the Jewellery Quarter community, and donations have been made to homeless charities in its honour every Christmas.
Last year, a new installation appeared on the bench in the form of Father Christmas.
The Santa installation at the famous Banksy bench in the Jewellery Quarter in 2025
Created by Birmingham artist Dion Kitson, it drew thousands of visitors and national press coverage, and helped local homeless charity SIFA Fireside raise close to £10,000.
Now the community wants to take it even further this Christmas in a bid to do even more to continue Banksy’s message and drive more support for homeless people in the city.
“We’re hoping to work with a Birmingham jeweller to turn it into a jeweller’s bench where Birmingham-based artists and creatives can create new work at the site and the proceeds can be given to SIFA Fireside,” said Steve Lovell, marketing and communications manager for the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust.
“We want this to be something that continues throughout the year, and also a way of making sure that the Banksy bench isn’t just left but that we are consistently drawing attention to it.”
The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust has joined forces with Birmingham City University and Ikon Gallery to turn God Bless Birmingham into an ongoing programme of creative interventions at the Banksy bench.
Watch the poignant video posted by Banksy of the mural in the Jewellery Quarter:
The first project is to replace the Perspex currently protecting the art from graffiti and the elements as it is worn and letting in condensation.
Then, there is a big plan for the run up to Christmas 2026.
The hunt for a partner to bring it to life
Birmingham-based jeweller and artist, Dauvit Alexander, together with students from the internationally renowned School of Jewellery, will activate the jewellery workshop.
The team is looking for a partner to help fund the project, providing the resources needed to bring ambitious new interventions to life and create lasting social impact.
“Last year’s activation reached an estimated 13 million people,” Steve explained.
“Now we’re looking for a project partner to make this one happen – a high-profile way to deliver on your CSR goals, support people experiencing homelessness in Birmingham, and show your commitment to the community you’re part of.
“You’ll get named partner status, your logo on-site and across BCU, JQDT and Ikon channels, press coverage, and the chance to meet the makers.
“We’re hoping organisations can see what we are trying to do and the benefit for them PR-wise and the impact it will have on the community.”
Find out more via the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust website
Birmingham artist Dion Kitson’s Santa installation at the famous Banksy bench in the Jewellery Quarter in 2025
How you can get involved
When it comes to public support, Steve is keen for people to make donations to SIFA Fireside or other local homeless charities but also to make the effort to visit.
“We want people coming to see it,” he said.
“Even if nothing happens, come and see it. Take a photo and post it on social media so the artwork is not forgotten.
“That’s what Banksy would want, for us to start talking about that message again so we carry on with that conversation.
“That’s why we are getting together, we don’t want it to be lost.
“Banksy is one of the most famous artists in the world. I think he chose Birmingham because it’s a huge city with problems we’re trying to fix, and he knows Birmingham is famous for its artists and community.
“I think he was hoping there were people here to help solve the problems with homelessness.
“It’s hope – that’s what the Banksy bench means to me.
“It’s the hope that communities can come together and solve society’s problems, to solve the real issues happening in Birmingham.
“Homelessness is rife and using art to highlight that issue is extremely powerful.
“If we can use art to help homeless people, that’s amazing.”
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