'Our own Banksy' - speculation as mysterious new artwork appears in Wakefield park

The artwork appeared in Horbury overnight, and appears to be a take on the Covid-19 pandemic.

Similar to Banksy's famous 'Girl With Balloon', it depicts a young girl wearing a face mask reaching for her balloon, while her wrist is chained to an illustration of the coronavirus.

It was first noticed early this morning by walkers in Carr Lodge Park, but has not yet been claimed by any artists.

But it is already being widely celebrated, and Horbury Civic Society has celebrated the artist as the town's very own Banksy.

As part of an ongoing project to bring art into the town, the society had recently begun commissioning artists to decorate the park's shelter, which they had painted black in preparation for future work.

But when they awoke this morning, they discovered that the anonymous artist had taken it upon themselves to begin the work.

Graham Roberts, chair of the society, said: "I'm delighted! I prepared the shelter for an artist to work on it.

"We already had artist Helen Thomas depict the wildflowers growing in the park, but the second one has just appeared.

"Since I moved to Horbury and retired I've been commissioning artists to do things. When it happens spontaneously without a commission I wholeheartedly approve.

"It's a pure Banksy copy and very well executed.

"This is an inspirational piece of guerrilla artwork by a really talented artist."

Though the identity of the artist has yet to be revealed, Graham said rumours were swirling in the town, as people made trips to see the artwork in person.

But the piece is not the first artwork to capture attention in the Wakefield district.

Earlier this year, artist Rachel List captured global attention with her series of murals across Pontefract, many of which paid tribute to NHS staff and key workers.

And in 2018, Horbury Civic Society hit the headlines when they opened the 'world's smallest art gallery' inside a disused phone box.

Do you know the identity of Horbury's mystery artist? Tell us your theories on Facebook and Twitter.

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