Is this Remembrance street art the work of Banksy?

Street art in the style of the renowned artist Banksy has appeared on the side of a disused building in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon.

The work, stencilled onto a large door, depicts a First World War-era soldier, a red poppy, and the words 'Lest We Forget.'

But the work's creator is unknown, prompting some to suggest it may have been produced by the elusive street artist Banksy.

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Speaking to Forces News, Banksy expert Professor Paul Gough said the work did satisfy some requirements for it to be considered genuine.

He said: "There are three or four tests that I use about Banksy's work, one of which is that it has to be in a particular location. The place they're in is never accidental.

"The second one is about the timing. Now clearly, this has arrived in Stratford-upon-Avon within the Remembrance period. So it has a resonance because it's about the here and now."

However, Professor Gough did stop short of agreeing that this particular street art originated from the great Banksy, citing its respectful nature towards its subject as a critical reason. 

Prof Gough, from Arts University Bournemouth, said: "We would know Banksy as a prankster, as a sort of artist full of stunts, rather sarcastic, sardonic, even cruel in some ways. 

"And what we see in this piece in Stratford-upon-Avon is actually a bit too respectful in many ways.

"It would be more obvious a Banksy if he'd written not Lest We Forget, but Best We Forget," he added.

A spokesperson from Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "The council has been made aware of the artwork that has appeared on the former BHS building.

"The building is not owned by the council and the future of the artwork is a matter for the building owner to consider."