A local artist from the Thames Valley has confirmed he was NOT the person responsible for a piece of artwork that was discovered outside a Marlow secondary school.

In the morning of Thursday, July 4, which is the same day as the country’s first General Election in five years, members of staff and students from Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School on West Street noticed a drawing opposite the educational building. 

It depicts a child holding a ministerial box (also known as the Red Box), which is used to contain important information involving the government or the monarchy.

It is usually seen on the day when the Chancellor of the Exchequer announces his budget for the UK.

It's not known who drew the painting in MarlowIt's not known who drew the painting in Marlow (Image: NQ)

The painting also shows the child wearing an old Borlase uniform, dotting the previous blue shades on the tie.

Frustratingly, the cameras did not pick up the section of West Street where the painting was created.

Many have speculated that this could be the work of international and anonymous artist, Banksy, but this has yet to be confirmed.

There had been rumours that it could be the work of the Caversham-based artist, Peachy, but he confirmed it was not him.

He told the Free Press: “I am aware of the artwork you are talking about - us artists have our contacts and like to keep our ear to the ground when artworks begin to pop up.  

“On this occasion I can confirm it is NOT a Peachy - but I will be back to Marlow in the future.

“Many Peachy works will begin to pop up so something to keep and eye out for in the future.”

Former headteacher Kay Mountfield (left) and current headteacher Ed Goodall (right) pose with the artwork outside Sir William Borlase's Grammar School in Marlow (Image: NQ)Former headteacher Kay Mountfield (left) and current headteacher Ed Goodall (right) pose with the artwork outside Sir William Borlase's Grammar School in Marlow (Image: NQ) (Image: NQ)

The artwork has attracted many shoppers and members of the public to descend along West Street to see the work in the flesh.

Many appeared on July 4 taking photos, but many are unsure of why it has appeared.

A mother and daughter, who were in Marlow on the day but live in Burnham and Beaconsfield respectively, said: “It seems to be making a political statement.

“Maybe it’s Banksy saying this is the youth of our future?

“We should give the young people today something to inspire them and be the political futures of the future where they make the right decisions.

“It’s a tough one but if it is a Banksy, then it’s incredible that one has appeared in Marlow.

“It’s a message but we’re unsure of what.”

Two friends, who were in the town from Ipswich in Suffolk believe it’s a ‘statement’ to say that the ‘youth are our future’.

Mr Ed Goodall, who is the school’s headteacher, said: “There are a number of things you can take away from it.

“At its most critical, it could represent the middle class, privileged elite, but on the other side, it could mean young people being engaged in politics.”