The meaning behind Banksy’s “Very Little Helps”- Explained

The mural of Very Little Helps by Banksy first appeared in 2008 on the side of a pharmacy on Essex Road, North London. The new mural caused a huge debate about “Graffiti and Street Art”.

Very Little Helps, also known as Tesco Flag or Tesco Kids, is a clear reference to Tesco’s famous slogan, “Every little helps.” The image shows three children surrounding a flagpole, and instead of raising a flag, one of them raises a Tesco plastic bag while the other two are pledging their allegiance with their hands on their hearts.

The original canvas was titled Pledge Allegiance to the Flag! And is a mirror image of the print.

 The image is a critique of society’s reliance on mass consumerism and multinational corporations.

Very Little Helps 2008

Medium: Screenprint in colour on Arches wove paper

Size: 76×56 cm (30×22 inches)

Publisher: Pictures on Walls

Edition: 299 signed

Signed in blue crayon, lower right

Numbered /299 in pencil with the publisher’s blind stamp, lower left

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