Could a potential £10 million masterpiece be adorning a King's Lynn pub? The art world was buzzing with the possibility, only for a twist to emerge!
In the charming Norfolk town of King's Lynn, a wave of excitement swept through the community. A striking piece of graffiti suddenly appeared on the rear of The Globe pub, a Wetherspoons establishment located on Ferry Street. This artwork depicted none other than playwright William Shakespeare himself, caught in the act of inscribing the words "Shakespeare woz ere" onto a set of double doors. The style bore a remarkable resemblance to the distinctive work of the world-renowned, anonymous street artist, Banksy.
Naturally, this sparked a frenzy! Visitors flocked to the scene, eager to capture photos and selfies with what many believed to be a genuine Banksy. The local council, recognizing the potential cultural and financial value of the piece, even took the proactive step of installing a protective plastic screen to safeguard it from any potential vandalism. The building itself is understood to be part of the Wetherspoons pub chain.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the art world was abuzz with speculation and anticipation, an email sent to Banksy's official website, managed by his representative body known as the Pest Control Office, may have brought the mystery to a rather abrupt end. A spokesperson from Pest Control stated, "we can confirm this is not by the artist Banksy."
This news is undoubtedly a significant disappointment for many in King's Lynn, especially considering the immense value that such a piece could have held. One art expert, John Brandler, owner of Brandler Galleries, had initially suggested that if the artwork were genuine, it could be worth an astonishing £10 million! Mr. Brandler, while noting the striking resemblance and wit – hallmarks of Banksy's style – had also expressed a slight reservation about the red lettering, hinting it might be the work of a talented imitator rather than the master himself. He admitted, "Nobody is ever certain with Banksy because it's down to his attribution. But in my opinion it's a 90% chance it's a Banksy."
It's worth noting that Banksy has graced Norfolk with his presence before, notably during his 'Great British Spraycation' in 2021. The location of this supposed artwork is also quite poignant, situated near St George's Guildhall. This historic venue proudly claims to be the UK’s oldest working theatre and is the only one that can credibly assert to have hosted William Shakespeare himself.
The appearance of this intriguing artwork coincided with the ongoing renovation of the medieval guildhall, a project that has raised concerns about its funding. Banksy's works have a history of being sold to support charitable causes, including his painting 'Game Changer,' which helped raise funds for the NHS during the Covid pandemic, and a series of oil paintings that benefited a hospital in Bethlehem.
So, what do you think? Was this a missed opportunity for King's Lynn to gain a significant artistic treasure, or is the mystery of Banksy's true identity and intentions far more interesting than a single piece of graffiti? Does the potential for such high value overshadow the joy of art appearing unexpectedly in public spaces? Share your thoughts below!
