https://i1.wp.com/metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PRC_138021130.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=644%2C338&ssl=1
A young girl fires a slingshot of flowers at a Bristol building in Banksy’s latest work (Picture: Reuters/PA)

Couple find Banksy Valentine's love bomb on side of family home

by

The elusive street artist Banksy has confirmed that he is behind a piece of street art showing a young girl firing a slingshot of flowers at a building in Bristol.

A local couple walking in the Barton Hill area of the city were stunned to find the striking piece – since dubbed ‘the Valentine’s Banksy’ – on the side of a building.

James Bullock said he saw scaffolding on the wall at about 6.20am on Thursday and was amazed when he returned later with his girlfriend and noticed the artwork had appeared.

The piece, in Marsh Lane, features a stencilled image of a girl firing a slingshot of red flowers and leaves.

Banksy confirmed the piece was his by posting two images of it on his official Instagram account and website in the early hours of Valentine’s Day.

https://i1.wp.com/metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PRI_137664020.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=540%2C540&ssl=1
The new work on the side of a house on Marsh Lane, Bristol (Picture: PA)
https://i2.wp.com/metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PRI_137763028.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=540%2C359&ssl=1
Crowds were drawn to the scene in Barton Hill (Picture: Reuters)

The artwork appeared on a rented home owned by Edwin Simons, who celebrated his 67th birthday on Thursday.

His daughter, Kelly Woodruff, 37, found out about it after being tagged in a Facebook post.

She told the PA news agency: ‘We’ve been down here all day and it’s just been a complete buzz of excitement.

‘There’s so many people coming and enjoying it, taking pictures, it’s fantastic.

https://i1.wp.com/metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PRI_137644159.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=540%2C811&ssl=1
The girl in the painting uses a slingshot to throw flowers (Picture: SWNS)
https://i2.wp.com/metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PRI_137644380.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=540%2C359&ssl=1
Banksy later put an image of the work on his Instagram page (Picture: SWNS)
https://i2.wp.com/metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PRI_138011195.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=540%2C390&ssl=1
A clear panel used to protect the artwork has already been shattered within hours of going up by vandals (Picture: SWNS)

‘There’s been a lot of debate if it is a Banksy or not. Most people I’ve spoken to think it 100% is, and they’re naming it the Valentine’s Banksy.

‘It’s incredible and beautiful.’

The family are looking to cover up the artwork with glass to preserve it.

‘We hope it’s Banksy’s work. Come and have a look yourself. Whoever painted, it’s worth admiring their creativity. Thank you.’

Ms Woodruff continued: ‘My slight worry is, we’ve got this Storm Dennis coming on the weekend, so I really want to try and protect the roses.’

News of the work first emerged on Twitter, with the Bristol Somali Community Association writing before the artist’s confirmation: ‘Today in Barton Hill, we woke up with this remarkable mural art painted on one of the houses of the area.’

‘We hope it’s Banksy’s work. Come and have a look yourself.

‘Whoever painted, it’s worth admiring their creativity. Thank you.’