Spudnik! The mysterious spiky potatoes on London bus shelter roofs

If you’ve ever sat on the top deck of a London bus you may have looked out the window and seen some bizarre objects on the roof of a bus shelter, that looks like a small spiky satellite. Londonopia set out to find what they are and who put them there?

The Mystery of the Spudniks

These mysterious spiky objects which have been reported as far back as 2007 are a curious sight along various bus routes, particularly in East London. They are most visible to passengers on the upper decks of double-decker buses. 

Look closer at the photos and you will see they are in fact potatoes adorned with cocktail sticks. Looking like an early space object, they have been dubbed  – Spudniks.

Starchy spiky art project 

The Spudniks are part of a guerilla art project. 

The Spudnik bus shelter art in London, sometimes referred to as the “spiky spuds,” is a playful spin on public art, delighting those who spot them from double-decker buses. 

Rooted in the idea of surprising daily commuters, Spudnik adds whimsy to urban spaces, sparking curiosity about the mundane and inspiring moments of unexpected joy during otherwise routine journeys​

Who is behind the art?

While their creator remains officially anonymous, they are often linked to the guerrilla art movement that thrives in London neighborhoods like Hackney and Shoreditch.

While the specific identity of the artist has not been definitively confirmed, Alfie Dennen, a Hackney resident and public art enthusiast, has mentioned similar works and has supported the idea of turning bus stops into community art spaces​.

Another name connected with the spuds is Tony Nonose is an enigmatic figure in the London art scene, celebrated for his unconventional approach to street art. Unlike traditional street artists, Nonose experiments with abstract forms and transient sculptures, using the streets as a gallery to challenge perceptions of art and space. His works, often described as “subversive objects,” explore themes of temporality and playfulness. He believes that art doesn’t have to be dark or overly serious; instead, it should engage the public in unexpected ways.

One of his most memorable projects involved creating biodegradable sculptures that blended into their urban surroundings. These pieces were designed to degrade over time, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of street art. Nonose once commented that his art is about making objects with a natural lifespan, allowing them to “disappear” back into the environment. This philosophy distinguishes his work from the more permanent or graphic-based street art typically seen in London’s East End.

If you’re curious to learn more or spot contemporary bus stop art in London, keep your eyes peeled on your next double-decker ride!