'It could have been done by anyone' - Speculation over 'Banksy' artworks which suddenly appear in Weymouth

One of the works on the seawall on Weymouth Beach depicts a small boy building a sandcastle while another on Gloucester Street appears to show a balloon dog on a lead.

Speculation is rife around the town and on social media as people discuss whether or not they are authentic Banksy artworks.

The stencil art is of a similar style to Bristol artist, hence the speculation, but the artist has not confirmed the artworks are his as he usually confirms the news by sharing the images on social media.

The artwork on Gloucester Street, Weymouth

Nevertheless, people have stopped to take a look at the artworks and capture photos on their smartphones and cameras.

Nikki Stewart, owner of the Stone’s Throw Guest House on Gloucester Street, first spotted the boy and balloon dog artwork when she walked her dogs at 6am on Thursday morning.

She said: “I was taking our dogs out for a walk at 6am. When I got outside, I looked across the road and I saw the artwork on the wall.

“Whether it is a Banksy or not, it is a fun bit of artwork. I really enjoy it and it will bring a lot of smiles to peoples’ faces.”

Despite the speculation of the artwork’s origins, Mrs Stewart hopes the artwork can remain on Gloucester Street and isn’t removed.

The artwork on Weymouth Beach

She said: “The fact he did Margate two weeks ago and going around seaside towns, I would believe the works are his. I think it is.

She added: “I don’t have a problem with it. Even if it is not a Banksy, it is something nice and fun. I don’t see the harm in it."

But some people were not convinced they are not authentic Banksy artworks.

One local said: “There’s no context or appear to be a message behind it.

“There’s usually a social comment or a joke attached to his work. But with this, there’s nothing.”

A tourist, who observed the artwork on Weymouth Beach, was impressed by the art but doesn’t think it’s by the famous artist.

One local got a snap of the artwork on Weymouth Beach

“I think it looks nice but I don’t think it’s Banksy. It could have been done by anyone”, he said.

One woman said: “If that’s a Banksy, that is amazing. Hopefully it isn’t vandalised.”

Some users online have theorised that the artwork is a part of his ‘Great British Spraycation’ work, which saw Banksy travel around seaside towns spraying his work.

Video released on his official Instagram page saw the mysterious artist spray painting his stencils around Great Yarmouth, South Shields and other towns during the day and night.