A stunning new artwork that was believed to be by Banksy has confused locals in the heart of London.
The new artwork was spotted yesterday morning in Clerkenwell Green in Farringdon.
The graffiti thought to be a Banksy due to its style and balloon theme, can be found on a boarded-up public toilet.
Efforts are underway to protect the art, with a notice telling passers-by not to tamper or remove it.
IT worker Ian Branch, 40, was told about the art when he entered his office today.
He told Metro: ‘I was rushing into work at 9am and my colleague told me.
‘We could not believe our eyes. There was quite a few people turning up, taking pictures.’
Ian revealed a surprising reason why he is convinced the artwork is actually from Banksy, and why he is relieved there are already efforts underway to protect the piece.
‘There is the gold paint at the top which looks like balloons, that was already there beforehand.
He added: ‘What Banksy seems to do in their work is attach onto one thing to make it look like something else.’
‘There is a notice next to it saying it’s also under close observation and that whoever is taking care of it is awaiting confirmation – so perhaps professional art dealers or even the Banksy social media might be able to confirm it soon.
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‘As nothing has appeared on their official Instagram as yet.’
Tourists were today also stopping in the street and taking pictures of the artwork.
Carlos, Benny and Angela, from Ireland, Switzerland and the U.S told Metro: ‘We came to look because we thought it was a Banksy.
‘This is what Banksy does, he adds on top of things already there.’
‘This would be the first Banksy we’ve seen in real life.’
A group of German tourists told Metro: ‘It certainly looks like a Banksy. It’s better if we don’t know for sure though!’
The Banksy has created a real ‘buzz’ in Clerkenwell Green, one of London’s oldest public spaces which dates. back to the 12th century,
‘I am pretty sure someone was filming it as well – there could be a lot of interest generated.
He added: ‘People deserve to enjoy it. Art is for everyone!’
It comes seven months after a spate of his artwork popped up over London last summer.
At least nine were seen in August last year. A picture of a graffiti appeared on the shutters of London Zoo in Regents Park.
On Kew Road in Richmond, a new one showed a mountain goat precariously balancing on a pillar as rocks fall below it.
The goat has now been removed due to refurbishment work on the building.
Banksy’s other famous balloon artwork was Girl With Balloon, which sold for more than £1 million at auction house Sotheby’s.
The piece then immediately self-shredded.
It is believed Banksy wants to keep their identity a secret, given that graffiti is a crime. But myths about their real name are common, often linking back to the beginning of their career, as well as those who have publicly ‘named’ them.
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