A rare examle of Banksy´s Happy Choppers large version (aka Have a nice day) on wood. It was originally purchased from a lady in Wood Green which is in north London in around 2009. The works originates from work from Shoreditch / Islington area and was taken from the back area of a row of takeaway type food shops, where it was boarding a window.

It was obviously in the outdoors for quite a while before removal as the image is very weathered so presumably a few years older still. (2002 is beleived to be the corect year of creation).
It´s a known fact that Banksy painted several "Happy Choppers" images in the Shoreditch area around 2002/2003.
Many photos of wall pieces exist. We succeded in finding a photo where the BANKSY tag is similar to this piece. Also similar in size. Around 2004 Banksy no longer tagged his street pieces. His name was becoming familiar and people buffed the pieces that was tagged.

Tagged/signed BANKSY lower right.

This work is listed it the Banksy Raisonne of street works with work ref. number 273 a - Wrong War. Depicted in the work list and full page image as well.

A similar street work (same stencil) fetched 187,500 USD in 2016. Prices has since risen 500-600 %.

Further provenance upon request.

"Happy Choppers" is a mural that depicts three military helicopters in various shades of pink, adorned with colorful bows and ribbons. Each helicopter appears to be soaring against a bright blue sky, with cartoonish, smiling faces painted on their sides. On the surface, the image seems cheerful, even childlike, but beneath the whimsical exterior lies a powerful message.

Consumerism and War

Banksy's "Happy Choppers" highlights the intersection of consumerism and war, drawing attention to the way in which societies often glorify and celebrate militarism and conflict. The juxtaposition of something as serious as military machinery with the frivolous imagery of bows and smiles underscores the irony in the way we sometimes view warfare. It's a comment on how society often embraces war as a form of entertainment, while ignoring its harsh realities.

The artist challenges us to question our priorities and the value we place on materialism and military might. In many societies, military spending often takes precedence over crucial social programs, education, and healthcare. "Happy Choppers" asks us to reconsider whether the resources spent on war could be better used to promote peace and improve the well-being of all citizens.


Banksy's use of satire is one of his most potent tools. By subverting traditional symbols and norms, he forces viewers to confront their own preconceived notions and biases. In "Happy Choppers," he reimagines war machines as playthings, subtly suggesting that our fascination with military might is, in a sense, childlike and misguided. The colorful bows and cheerful expressions on the helicopters serve as a satirical commentary on the infantilization of war and the disconnect between its grim realities and the way it is often romanticized in media and culture.

Banksy encourages us to question why we are so quick to accept war as a normal part of the human experience and whether there might be alternative, more peaceful paths to resolving conflicts and disputes.

Banksy's "Happy Choppers" is a powerful example of the artist's ability to challenge societal norms and provoke thought through art. By juxtaposing the innocence of childhood symbols with the harsh realities of militarism and consumerism, Banksy makes a bold statement about the way we often trivialize and glamorize war. The mural serves as a reminder that, as a society, we need to critically examine our values, our priorities, and our approach to conflict. Through his thought-provoking work, Banksy encourages us to strive for a more peaceful and compassionate world, one where war is not celebrated but rather questioned and avoided whenever possible.