The London Police British, b. 1998

The London Police is an artistic collaboration between Chaz Barrisson and Bob Gibson, founded in 1998 when the duo visited Amsterdam to breathe life into the city's visually disappointing streets with their unique brand of artistic expression. Part of a dynamic group of artists at the turn of the century, Barrisson and Gibson were pioneers of a new street art movement leaving their mark on buildings, bridges, and billboards across Europe and America. Upon arriving in Amsterdam in 1998, they were surprised to find that this most open-minded of cities lacked the vibrant wall art and graffiti that had become a global phenomenon. Since then, The London Police have become internationally recognized for their influential contribution to contemporary culture.

 

TLP’s art is a fascinating blend of two distinct styles. Chaz’s iconic ‘LADS’ character contrasts with Bob’s mesmerizing portraits and architectural illustrations. These elements come together to create a playful, unique fantasy world. Each work is done freehand, without stencils, showcasing their extraordinary precision and ability to create flawless circles and bold lines, regardless of scale. Whether working on a small canvas or covering a massive wall, their drawing remains impeccable. In recent years, TLP have focused on intense canvas work, solo exhibitions and large-scale murals. Beyond painting, they have also ventured into short films, photography, installations, and music. Their success stems not only from their talent and creativity but also from their enduring friendship and shared desire to leave an impression everywhere they go. Their powerful and positive artwork can appear anywhere in the world, at any time.

 

Over the past two decades, The London Police have been featured in numerous books documenting the rise of street art. In 2006, they were part of the landmark exhibition Dutch Masters: Street Art & Urban Painting at the Museum GEM den Haag. Since then, they have participated in over 100 shows in 35 countries. Recent highlights included UN-DERSTAND: The Power of Art as Social Architect at the Urban Nation Museum of Contemporary Art in Berlin, a show at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome, and a 10-year career retrospective in Miami in 2020.