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Possible Banksy appears on Wetherspoon pub

Robby WestNorfolk
News imageKing's Lynn and West Norfolk Council Art painted on white double doors on a brick building. The art shows an image that looks like William Shakespeare from behind in black. He is holding a spray can, and the words 'Shakespeare woz ere' have been written in red inkKing's Lynn and West Norfolk Council
The artwork is near a theatre that claimed Shakespeare acted there

An artwork bearing the hallmarks of street artist Banksy has appeared in King's Lynn on the back of a Wetherspoon pub.

The piece, located near the 15th Century Guildhall where William Shakespeare is said to have performed, depicts the playwright spray‑painting the wall.

The appearance of the mural comes as concerns have been raised about how the renovation of the historic theatre will be funded.

The artist has not yet claimed the work, and deputy leader of West Norfolk Borough Council, Simon Ring, said the council will do everything it can to support the owner and protect the artwork.

News imageKing's Lynn and West Norfolk Council A wider view of art painted on white double doors on a brick building. The art shows an image that looks like William Shakespeare from behind in black. He is holding a spray can and the words 'Shakespeare woz ere' have been written in red inkKing's Lynn and West Norfolk Council
The deputy leader of the council said that if it was sprayed by Banksy, he had created some further interest in the Shakespeare story for King's Lynn

The artwork, located on doors at the back of The Globe pub in Ferry Street, was found by council employees this morning.

Ring has visited the site and said that while he is not an expert on Banksy, "it's certainly in keeping with his style".

The nearby Guildhall claimed documents showed Shakespeare acted at the venue.

It is currently being renovated, and concerns have been raised about how the work will be paid for.

"Whoever's done it, assuming it's Banksy, is clearly following the story," Ring said.

A spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon confirmed the artwork was on its property.

While it has not been confirmed as a Banksy, in the summer of 2021, a number of street art pieces confirmed by the artist appeared in Norfolk and Suffolk.

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