While in London to deliver a lecture about the Millennium Dome Exhibition, I visited the shop of renowned artist and illustrator Mr Bingo. It was a move that became one of the highlights of my trip. And it was also my brother’s birthday. So I commissioned a gift: a hilariously offensive, personalised card in his signature style. Mr Bingo is legendary for his razor-sharp wit, brutal honesty, and no-holds-barred offensiveness, making Mr Bingo cards and prints the perfect present for anyone who appreciates a laugh that stings.
Stepping Into Mr Bingo’s Creative Space
As soon as I entered Mr Bingo’s shop and studio, I instantly recognised his distinctive artwork. Having backed his Kickstarter project—Hate Mail: The Definitive Collection, a retrospective of his infamous postcard series—I’ve followed his work ever since. And many of the pieces on display were instantly recognisable. The shop had a welcoming yet anarchic vibe. Walls covered with his insults-turned-art, pots of art supplies, and unfinished sketches scattered around. It felt less like a retail space and more like stepping into the mind of Mr Bingo the artist—brilliant, funny, and unapologetically raw.
Watching Mr Bingo at Work (Sort Of)
Meeting him in person was surreal. Despite the barbed tone of his artwork, he was warm and surprisingly obliging. At one point, I asked if I could photograph him “working”—or pretending to. With deadpan delivery, he staged the moment, declaring, “I am pretending to do a drawing for the purpose of a fucking photo.” It summed him up perfectly: part performance, part process, and entirely true to his irreverent persona.
Mr Bingo’s Shop: A Shrine to Insults
The shop itself felt like a shrine to offensiveness. From typographic prints such as Turn Your Sadness Into Money. To conceptual illustrations like the Worst of Mum + Worst of Dad Venn diagram. All artworks showcase his signature mix of cruelty and wit. It’s easy to see why he has over 150K online followers and fans ranging from everyday collectors to art-world royalty like David Hockney. Check out #mr_bingstagram on Instagram.
Mr Bingo Cards and Prints
Among the standout items were limited edition prints such as This Will Be A Fucker To Frame and The Correct Way, each proving that Mr Bingo has perfected the art of making people laugh while mildly insulting them. Seeing these pieces in person made me appreciate how cleverly he integrates text and imagery. Simply put, his artwork turns the everyday into something wicked and unexpectedly brilliant.
A Peek Into the Mind of Mr Bingo
A fascinating part of Mr Bingo’s shop is the wall near his workspace, which he covers in a carefully curated collection of notes. For example, scribbled insults, half-formed ideas, and absurd phrases alongside rough sketches offer a glimpse into his creative process. Some notes looked like fleeting thoughts, while others hinted at potential future projects. Overall, this wall felt like a raw, unfiltered glimpse into his mind—spontaneous, scathing and often hilarious.
Left-Handed and Proud: A Smudge of Genius
While browsing, I noticed that Mr Bingo draws with his left hand—just like my son. Seeing this led me to buy one of his framed original drawings, which proudly declared, “Left-handed smudgy fucker”. The phrase was crude, accurate and perfect. A celebration of the quirks that make us “who we are“, wrapped up in Mr Bingo’s signature rude humour.
A Concrete Reminder to Have Fun
Before leaving, I couldn’t resist buying one of his concrete gravestones engraved with Don’t forget to have fun—a wonderfully bleak yet strangely uplifting message. Visiting Mr Bingo’s shop wasn’t just about seeing great art; it was about experiencing the creative mind behind it. He isn’t just an artist known for rude humour—he’s a craftsman who values quality and authenticity, sourcing materials locally and supporting other skilled artisans.
Why You Should Visit Mr Bingo’s Shop
So, if you ever get the chance, don’t miss out on visiting Mr Bingo’s shop. Whether you’re a fan or enjoy brutally funny artwork, it’s worth the trip. His work will make you laugh, shock you, and showcase the art of a perfectly delivered insult. In a world that often takes itself too seriously, his creations are a refreshing reminder to embrace a bit of well-crafted profanity.
More Photos From My Visit
Below are more photos from my visit to Mr Bingo’s shop in London, showcasing the artist, his creative space and his brilliantly vicious artwork.
If you enjoyed this post (or were mildly offended), share and spread the word about Mr Bingo’s brilliant rudeness. Because let’s be honest—art this sharp-witted deserves to be shared.