Magician Simon Drake Discovers Possible Banksy Art on South London Home
Renowned TV magician Simon Drake, best known for his 1990s Channel 4 magic show The Secret Cabaret, was left in awe when he stumbled upon what he believes could be a Banksy artwork on the side of his South London home. The unexpected discovery of a giraffe graffiti on his house in Walworth, Southwark, sparked excitement and speculation among locals and art enthusiasts alike.
A Shocking Revelation
Returning from a routine morning walk with his daughter on Wednesday, September 18, Simon Drake was taken aback by the striking image of a giraffe adorning the exterior of his residence. The distinctive style and stencil technique of the graffiti immediately drew parallels to the iconic works of the elusive street artist Banksy, prompting Drake to consider the possibility of a genuine Banksy creation.
In an interview with SWNS, Mr. Drake recalled his initial reaction, stating, “I saw it and I thought, that could be a Banksy. It looks like it’s been stencilled – which I know is his style – and it was a giraffe so it matched his recent works.” The magician’s keen eye for detail and familiarity with Banksy’s portfolio fueled his suspicions, leading to widespread speculation about the authenticity of the artwork.
Doubts and Speculations
As days passed without any confirmation from Banksy himself, Simon Drake began to question the legitimacy of the giraffe mural gracing his home. Expressing concerns about potential repercussions if the piece turned out to be a genuine Banksy, Drake admitted, “I’m kind of hopeful that it’s not a Banksy as I know I’ll be in trouble if it is. People will be here from all over the country – and they’ll be trying to chip it off the wall.”
Despite lingering doubts about its origins, the giraffe graffiti has attracted a steady stream of curious visitors and art enthusiasts to Simon’s residence. The growing interest in the mural has sparked discussions and debates within the local community, with some suggesting that the artwork’s connection to the area’s history may offer clues to its mysterious creator.
A Tribute to Local Heritage
Situated near the former location of the Surrey Zoological Gardens, which housed the first English giraffes imported from Egypt in the Victorian era, Simon Drake’s home holds a significant historical connection to these majestic creatures. The proximity of Pasley Park, formerly known as the Surrey Zoological Gardens, adds a layer of intrigue to the giraffe mural, hinting at a possible homage to the area’s zoological legacy.
Reflecting on the mural’s significance, Mr. Drake shared his appreciation for the artwork, stating, “I love it. I think it’s a really nice thing to have done.” Speculating on the artist’s intentions, Drake suggested that a local individual with knowledge of the area’s history and his own performances may have been inspired to create the striking giraffe graffiti as a tribute to the neighborhood’s unique heritage.
A House of Magic
Simon Drake’s residence doubles as a ‘House of Magic,’ where he hosts a variety of enchanting events ranging from haunted cellar tours to fortune telling and his signature magic shows. The addition of the giraffe mural to his magical abode has only added to the allure and mystique surrounding his home, drawing curious visitors and art enthusiasts eager to witness the potential Banksy artwork firsthand.
As the speculation continues and the mystery of the giraffe mural deepens, Simon Drake remains intrigued by the possibility of a Banksy connection while embracing the local community’s enthusiasm for the artwork. Whether the giraffe graffiti is indeed a Banksy masterpiece or a tribute to the area’s zoological heritage, its presence has sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity among residents and visitors alike.
Stay tuned for updates on the evolving story of the possible Banksy art at Simon Drake’s South London home, as the mystery unravels and new revelations come to light.
