Emily Puckering
It looks like the mysterious street artist Banksy has struck again and this time, it's in Blackpool.
A piece of graffiti-style artwork has suddenly appeared on the side of a house in the northern seaside town and has lead locals to speculate that the anonymous artist is behind it.
The artwork, in the unique style of Banksy's work, shows a spray-painted little boy holding onto a yellow umbrella – and while the artist is yet to confirm it is indeed his work, it hasn't stopped locals from speculating.
One took to Twitter to say: "New Banksy in Blackpool for any #readingfc fans who like his work and are going next Saturday," while another pointed out: "Is that really a Banksy down Milbourne Street?"
Advert
LADbible has contacted Banksy's representatives for verification.
Although many have remained hopeful that the Bristol-based artist has visited Blackpool, it seems as if it's too good to be true as Blackpool Artist and youth worker Brendan Bunting has claimed this isn't the case.
Speaking to the Blackpool Gazette, he said: "It’s fantastic to see more street art in Blackpool, but sadly this is not a Banksy.
"I’ve been fortunate to see an exhibition of Banksy work in Bristol many years ago. And I too found his work to be inspirational.
Advert
"It is great to see local residents commissioning artist to decorate the outside of their accommodation. Which I suspect has taken place here."
He added: "Hopefully we can see the return of the Robin Ross curated Blackpool street art festival ‘Sand Sea and Spray’ as this boosted Blackpool’s tourism and economy."
The recent artwork actually bares resemblance to a mural that appeared on the side of a Stockport pub, showing a spray-painted young boy holding a yellow kite – but Banksy confirmed this certain piece of art was not his, according to ITV News.
The infamous British artist continues to keep his identity a secret but recently, a councillor was forced to resign from his job due to widespread allegations that he was, indeed, the graffiti artist.
Advert
William Gannon used to work as a community artist for 40 years while he used to work in similar locations to the iconic figure.
Earlier this year, he was chosen to serve the community of Pembroke Dock for Pembrokeshire Council. But after being harassed over rumours that he was Banksy, he chose to resign from his position.
In his resignation letter, Gannon wrote: "As you may be aware an allegation has been repeatedly made that I am not who I say I am but that I am the artist Banksy.
"This allegation is undermining my ability to do the work of councillor and council rep properly.
"Therefore, I have decided to step down as both town councillor and council rep to the port with immediate effect."