A new artwork found in Havering is not the latest in a series of Banksy animal works in London, a spokesman for the artist has reportedly confirmed.
Locals speculated the elusive street artist could be behind the work found on Tuesday morning in Gidea Park, Romford next to the Picture Frame Gallery.
But a spokesman for the Pest Control Office, the body that authenticates work by the artist, confirmed to This is Local London the work “is not by the artist known as Banksy".The work depicts two ostriches with their heads buried in the sand beside a third in the centre - leading to speculation it could be another of the animal works created by the artist this month in London.
It appears today's Banksy is in Gidea Park pic.twitter.com/9bKdNrFMSS
— Rory (@MrRoryFlint) August 13, 2024
But it appears to be the work of a copycat inspired by the street artist’s string of recent work in London. The news led to devastation amongst locals.
Sam Sissen, from The Picture Frame Gallery, said: "It's a shame, because we really thought it was [Banksy's]."Banksy has created nine works in the past nine days across London featuring animals including pelicans, elephants and rhinos.
The anonymous street artist known for his politically charged works, has been known to confirm and unveil pieces via social media often on the day they appear.
His most recent artwork in the capital was unveiled on Tuesday morning on a white shutter at London Zoo showing a gorilla, seal and birds.
There was no confirmation on his Instagram account that he is behind the Havering work.
The artist confirmed the London Zoo work is his in a post to Instagram at 9.30am.
Staff at London Zoo think he had chose the attraction as they both spark “joy”.
Rebecca Blanchard, media manager at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), told the PA news agency: “This was an incredible surprise and we are, quite frankly, thrilled that he’s chosen us to be what could be the grand finale of this series that’s been so talked about.”
She added that the latest Banksy artworks in London have “brought so much joy and cheer”, just like London Zoo.
“We know that animals, wildlife, they bring joy to people,” Ms Blanchard said.
