Excitement is building in Nottingham after a piece of graffiti with very similar styling to that of street artist Banksy appeared on a wall. It is believed the mysterious artwork was first noticed on Monday night, May 1, according to neighbours who were left "stunned".
The mural, which has been displayed on a brick wall on Dryden Street in the city, depicts an elderly man sitting down, holding a cane. Three white pigeons can be seen in the background, above his head.
Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist and film director whose real name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation. The artist usually confirms the authenticity of his work by posting a photo of the graffiti on his Instagram page.
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Although the authenticity of Nottingham's latest elusive artwork is yet to be confirmed, excited neighbours are almost certain. Des Ward, 55, works in the area in social housing, and has spoken out over the discovery.
He said: “Everyone has their own opinions but it stunned a lot of people this morning. People are saying this wasn’t here before 9pm last night.
“We’ll soon find out I guess. I know people have been commenting on his Instagram to ask if it’s his work but I don’t think he will reply.”
Oliver Barnet, 26, lives in the area and said: “I live here and it wasn’t there around about 8-9pm.
“It’s nice, we’re just waiting for him to make it official on his Instagram. It’s very similar to his previous work and he must’ve done it late at night.”
Sonya Henry, 52, lives in the area and added: “I think it could be a Banksy.
“I saw it this morning when I was taking the dogs out at around 5am and I thought it was interesting. It wasn’t there last night when I took them for a walk.”
Ella Thompson, 22, an NTU Business Management student, added: “I know a bit about Banksy and I think this could be his work, especially as we had that one in Lenton before.”
Joy Stevenson, 55, who lives in the area, said: “I think it is a Banksy. I went down and took a picture of it and posted it on Facebook.”
Banksy's previous artwork includes the hula-hoop girl mural - which appeared on the side of a building in Lenton. It was discovered in October 2020, outside the Avi Hair and Beauty Salon in Rothesay Avenue.
The building owners revealed they had sold it to the Brandler Galleries in Brentwood. It is believed to have been sold for a six figure sum.
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