Is it a Banksy? No it's just a Banks's - firm create a 'brew-ha-ha' with satirical artwork
His artwork sells for millions and his graffiti courts controversy across the globe, but has Banksy brought his cans and stencils to Wolverhampton?
This cryptic piece even includes a pint of Banks's bitter, perhaps a nod to the iconic artists' name.
The mysterious work, which has appeared on a white panel covering a derelict shop's front window in Worcester Street in the city centre, features a broken ladder with rungs missing, and a quote 'Property ladder? Good luck with that', with the beer underneath.
Many of Banksy's works depict satirical messages and dark humour, so this piece is in-keeping with his style.
The city is of course the birthplace of many world-renowned street artists including Goldie, who made his name by creating spectacular graffiti in Heath Town.
In 2007 he returned to art with an art exhibition, 'Love Over Gold', which was held at the Leonard Street Gallery, London.
But unfortunately, after a few phone calls, it was revealed that the artwork is simply a marketing ploy by Banks's Brewery.
Laura Onions, from nearby Temple Street Studios, said: "It's been there about a week or so. Funnily enough I was having a conversation with somebody about this yesterday.
"Unfortunately it's not a Banksy, it's Banks's Brewery. Marston's commissioned an artist from Asylum Art Gallery to create it as part of marketing campaign.
"It's nice to see art like that in the city and seeing creative work. I don't know if they'll be making any more. It looks more interesting than the empty shop front as it was."
Banksy, originally from Bristol, is a graffiti artist, political activist and film director of unverified identity.
His art is typically executed using a distinctive stenciling technique.
His works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world.
Banksy's work grew out of the Bristol underground scene, which involved collaborations between artists and musicians.
Banksy does not sell photographs or reproductions of his street graffiti, but art auctioneers have been known to try to sell his street art on location and leave the problem of its removal in the hands of the winning bidder.
His most expensive work was the Stay Clean maid,vacuuming under a brick wall. It sold in New York for $1.87 million. It is an adaptation of an original Damien Hirst painting and first appeared as the 'Sweeping it Under the Carpet' mural in Camden in 2006.
Other famous works include Mobile Lovers, which was sketched on the side of a youth club in Bristol showing a couple embracing while checking their phone.
