An anonymous local street artist has described a new Banksy-style piece in Marlow as ‘extremely simplistic’ and shed doubt over speculation it was done by the famously elusive graffiti virtuoso.

No credit has been claimed for the two pieces of street art that appeared on West Street and Station Rise this month, leading some to wonder whether they were the work of Bristol-born artist and political activist Banksy – especially after the first artwork appeared opposite Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School on the day of the general election.

Leader of Marlow Town Council Chris Funnell told the Free Press last week that the two pieces – one depicting a schoolboy holding a red briefcase and the other a replica of Banksy’s famous Girl with a Balloon – had sparked “curiosity, debate and a sense of pride” among locals.

(Image: NQ)

However, Caversham-based artist Peachy, who has also not revealed his identity publicly, has cast doubt on the authenticity of the second artwork, which was spotted on Station Rise in mid-July.

Despite being less sure about the origin of the schoolboy design, Peachy said in no uncertain terms that Marlow’s Girl with a Balloon was “not a Banksy artwork” and, due to the lack of signature, said he has “no idea who painted it”.

Adding: “This is an extremely simple stencil to replicate, and it has been replicated many times.

“I usually keep an eye out for emerging artworks, but I am not too bothered when pieces like this pop up. It’s nice for the community either way, but not a Banksy.”

(Image: Elliott Green)

Confirming that neither of the new pieces had been his designs, the man behind the mural of Queen Elizabeth II holding up a cricket bat amid English flag bunting, which appeared on Crown Lane in June 2022, also promised that he would “be back to Marlow in the future”.

Cllr Funnell said: “Regardless of the motivation behind these pieces, their impact is undeniable – it’s a conversation starter and a reminder that art can find its way into even the most unexpected places.

“Whether these are genuine Banksy pieces or an homage by a talented admirer, I’m proud that our town is enjoying a moment in the spotlight.”

Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council’s cabinet member for climate change and environment, confirmed that the artwork outside Borlase was “not being treated as vandalism or graffiti” while its origins were investigated further.