One of the most elusive and mysterious purveyors of street art around in London at the moment is the artist known only as Jonesy. A darling of street art tour guides. They love the fact that his art is often hidden yet in plain sight.
A versatile street artist, Jonesy is perhaps best known as a sculptor. Producing works in bronze and in wood. He also produces original drawn paste ups.. His sculptural work is often, but not always, placed high up on the top of street signs or on walls. Jonesy does not appear to want his street art to be initially impactful as many would perhaps want their work to be. Nor does he mass produce his work. He is not a prolific artist and so mass recognition does not seem to be important. Rather his work sneaks up on you and this is why he is the darling of the street art tour scene.
For a full interview with Jonesy click here.
Jonesy Street Art
A quick search of google will not reveal much about him. We know he is an environmental campaigner because of the theme of some of his art. It’s true that we also know that he is skilled in bronze casting. It stands to reason that he might work in a complimentary field. He is also quite clearly a campaigner. His art reflects strong views on the environment and global warming yet it’s audience is small in comparison with that of other artists.
I’ve also heard him described as a man in his 50’s. Generally above the average age for the more traditional spray can wielding street artist. He doesn’t seem to put himself forward or shout about what he does. He doesn’t seem to pay much heed to the rest of the street art scene in London and he doesn’t seem to care too much for fame.
Look up around the streets of Spitalfields and you might well see gems like this on top of a street sign on Brick Lane 
Jonesy sculpture on Hanbury Street
Street Art Castings in Bronze
It suprises me a little because his work can be so detailed and so intricate. You would think that a wider audience would be sought as opposed to being known as the East End’s best kept secret. But perhaps that is the idea. He is the artist that no-one knows about. The artist you need to inducted into, the artist who is our little secret.
Jonesy’s street art, particularly his sculptures in bronze, are an absolute treat to come across. He takes the concept of street art to a whole new level. With some of his work, once seen it’s difficult not to notice when you come across it again. Many an attendee on a street art tour when first inducted into the world of Jonsey. Has then proceeded to spend the next couple of hours staring at the top of street signs trying to be the first to spot another.
So, as usual I’ve been out and about to see what Jonesys I could find. I’ve put together a little gallery showing some of his work in Bronze, Wood and Paper. Consider yourself inducted!
Jonesy Street Art Gallery
This wooden sculpture can be found on the banks of the River Lee by Bow Lock 
This green wooden head can be found on Sclater Street 
Some subtle Jonesy sculptures sneaking their way out of a wall on Brick Lane 
Jonesy created a rather elaborate tag to go over a leaf from 616 
Look carefully and you will see a number of paste ups and Jonesy sculptures on this doorway on Fournier Street 
The doorway of S. Schwartz on Fournier Street seems to be a favourite spot for the elusive artist 
Jonesy sculpture on Brick Lane 
Close to the Christ Church in Spitalfields this sculpture can be seen on top of a street sign 
Jonesy work on the door S.Schwartz in Fournier Street 
Paste up by Jonesy on Pedley Street 
A metal lizard type sculpture on Bacon Street 
jonesy’s work can be seen dotted around the area. This piece is on Yorks Street 
Jonesy art on hoardings at the Calls 
Original paste up from Jonesy of a horse on Osborne Street 
Bronze art sculpture by Jonesy on Hanbury Street 
Jonesy paste up on Osborne Street 
Jonesy paste up with Skeleton Cardboard on Osborne Street 
Original art paste up from Jonesy on Hanbury Street
Update – 2nd February 2014. Pottering around Shoreditch today I noticed a few other pieces, from Jonesy on Bacon Street and Pedley Street, always good to see more of his work.
For more pictures and features on Jonesy try:
Or check out this fantastic video from Fifth Wall Productions
Huge fan of this post mate, I photographed the horse power pasteup the other day and wondered who was behind it, never heard of Jonesy before! Cheers
Thanks a lot, glad you liked it Jonesy’s work certinaly needs a wider recognition
I heard that Francisco Papadejaro (art is trash) has left town 🙁
I bet he’ll be back, or at least I hope he will 🙂
I’ve always loved his work, especially the sculptures. I’ve since seen another one or two the other day….middle of Brick Lane, green creature on the top of a tall pole.
Here’s a post dedicated to him on my blog, and I’ve also included a couple pieces in other posts: http://jenikya.com/blog/2013/07/street-art-jonesy.html
Ah cool, thanks Jenn I’ll check that out tomorrow. Thanks for the post too
There’s another item I saw last week — It’s possibly Isaac Cordal but it’s high on the top of a sign. Looks like the head and shoulders of one of his little stone men. It’s perched high up on a sign that’s bent a little bit and located in the middle of Columbia Road at the end where the flower market stalls are. (I’ve not posted in my blog about it yet as I wait to get a few pictures first and then include a page…I have so much waiting to publish. LOL.)
haha I know what you mean lol. I don’t go up Columbia Road too often but I shall have to check it out now 😉