BANKSY'S ART CLASS
NEWS COPY - WITH PICTURES
Pupils and teachers returned to their school after half-term to find a genuine BANKSY on the wall of classroom
The famous artist spray painted a stick-wielding child chasing a burning tyre on the side of Bridge Farm Primary School.
It is believed the work is a modern take on hoop rolling, a popular game played by children during the Victorian days.
The six-foot high artwork also features a flower and a small house with 'Banksy' signed to the bottom left of the brick building.
Banksy left the artwork on the school in Whitchurch, Bristol, after a classroom was named after him.
A note from the artist said: "Dear Bridge Farm School. Thanks for your letter and naming a house after me. Please have a picture. If you don't like it feel free to add stuff, I'm sure the teachers won't mind. Remember - it's always easier to get forgiveness than permission. much love Banksy"
It is the latest piece of artwork by Banksy, who is from Bristol, to appear in his home city.
In 2014, the guerilla artist - whose work has appeared on the likes of the West Bank and in Calais - left a mural on the door of a youth club in Bristol.
'Mobile Lovers', which featured a
embracing while checking their mobile phones, was removed by Dennis Stinchcombe, who run the club.
Mr Stinchcombe later sold the artwork for £403,000 to a private collector, securing the future for the club.
Geoff Mason, headteacher at Bridge Farm Primary School, yesterday (Mon) said they were "thrilled" to have the Banksy and believed it would inspire pupils.
He said: "I think it went up over the weekend, and completed last night, but we're not entirely sure.
"It was done after we ran a competition to change the house names, and we decided to name them after Bristol legends. We had to include Banksy.
"We thought it would be a good idea to write to the PR company and let them know we've run the competition.
"I'm sure this is Banksy's work. We had a call from his PR team, and a letter signed by him.
"We are very thrilled about it, and it's great for the school community.
"I'm sure it will inspire the children. The staff had to make quite a few calls this morning to make sure nobody cleaned it off."