Banksy to interview ‘UK’s most imprisoned graffiti writer’ for Big Issue

For the first time in Big Issue's history, it will be entirely taken over, from cover to cover, adverts included. The man in charge is notorious graffiti artist 10Foot, who has invited a number of leading creators and agitators to make exclusive, unprecedented contributions.

In this groundbreaking issue, artist Banksy, a household name, interviews TOX, the UK's most imprisoned graffiti writer. TOX is a London cult phenomenon whose name has been found on every London train for over two decades, has been arrested more than 40 times and served nine prison sentences for graffiti.

In 2011, TOX was imprisoned for 26 months, and Crown Court prosecution barristers referred to him as “no Banksy”. This inspired Banksy to paint the legendary 'child blowing bubbles' in Camden Town.  

This issue contains an unprecedented conversation - as Banksy interviews TOX and will be on sale from Big Issue vendors across the UK and online from Monday 17 March.

This complete takeover of the Big Issue launches alongside what has been described as: “the most authentic exhibition of London graffiti culture ever held in the capital”- 10Foot, Tox, Fume – 'LONG DARK TUNNEL'. The top-secret Central London location will be disclosed on Fri 21 March 2025.

The exhibition’s opening night will feature an exclusive 10Foot limited edition print on sale with all proceeds coming to the Big Issue.

Northern Irish hip-hop trailblazers Kneecap have also contributed an Irish language poem to the Big Issue special, which goes on sale on St Patrick’s Day.

Writer Jonathan Meades has penned a short story for the magazine, and other contributors include the musician and composer Mica Levi who recently sold out the Barbican centre, as well as war reporter and Popular Front founder Jake Hanrahan.

10Foot said: “I can't believe it. A mainstream magazine has let me turn an entire issue into an anarchist zine. I feel like Long John Silver at the helm of a cruise ship.

“Expect the proper famous, the street famous, people who mind their own, prison educators, community radio stations, organic gardeners, artists and NO CORPORATE PAID ADVERTS. I've given all the space to people who do great work and don't get recognised.

“London is not dead however hard the system tries to strangle it. I hope the vendors come up hard from this and I hope everyone goes to see the 10Foot Tox25 Fume show – it's so far from a bunch of pictures in a white room, it's emotional and messy and is the culmination of decades and decades of underground artwork. All details will be online Friday 21st March.”

Paul McNamee, UK Editor of the Big Issue, added: “This is a unique and landmark edition of Big Issue. Never before have we had all pages given over to one guest editor – all editorial and all advertising. But 10Foot is a unique individual. It says much for his thinking and approach that he can bring in Banksy – one of the most famous names in the planet – and give him the same billing as a local London Indian restaurant.  

“Working on this with 10Foot, helping him realise his vision, hearing from his peers and those he admires, seeing his ongoing quest to genuinely challenge received notions of how things should be, has been a remarkable process. Big Issue has never looked like this or read like this before. I hope everybody enjoys it.  

“Buy it from your local vendor – or if you can’t reach a vendor, buy it online through the Big Issue Shop and you’ll be supporting the work Big Issue does every day across Britain.”

The 10Foot Big Issue special goes on sale Mon 17 March  across the UK. It can be bought from street vendors or online through the Big Issue Shop by visiting bigissueshop.com

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