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The true identity of an artist named 'Roundabout Banksy' for his kooky roadside creations can now be revealed.
Former fabricator welder Jon Allcorn, 51, has been creating mini sculptures for Ashford's roundabouts for about four years.
The artist, who professionally goes by the moniker Mr Mongo, says he created the artworks for a number of reasons – including putting a smile on his wife's face.
Sharon Ann Allcorn had battled cancer for 33 years but was given a terminal diagnosis two years ago.
Mr Allcorn, a father of one from Kennington, said: "Six cancers and an open heart operation later, she lost her battle on April 27 last year but not before completing her epic bucket list.
"She had always been an inspiration to me in her survival and bravery.
"I have placed no public art out since her death, even though I still create.
"The main reason for making the pieces was to inject a bit of humour and fun for the people of Ashford, but another was to make my wife smile."
All but one seemed to reference Brexit with the first appearing in June 2017 on the Eureka Park roundabout.
It featured three sharks – each with an EU sticker – chasing a swimmer.
Two months later, the Junction 9 roundabout of the M20 saw a hungry hare added to it.
The piece – which included a dangling carrot suspended from the hare's back – featured smaller stickers, with the Union Flag attached to the animal and the carrot adorned with the European Union stars.
The theme continued later that year with the artist's Drover's Roundabout piece, which had a squirrel holding a balloon emblazoned with a British flag.
The last artwork that year was a tree featuring bank notes, placed on the tank roundabout alongside a sign saying "government property, May's tree".
A two-year hiatus ended in 2019 when he placed rats, snakes and hedgehogs on the Conningbrook Hotel roundabout.
The artwork, installed under the cover of darkness, proved popular with residents and inspired much debate and discussion over who might be behind the pieces.
Two years on, people are now getting a chance to bid on the artwork, as Mr Allcorn is selling them on eBay for charity.
He said: "My intention had always been to eventually auction off my public art for Pilgrims Hospice as they helped me and Sharon immensely.
"To this end I have four pieces that will be going on eBay – three are art pieces that I made through lockdown, and one is a hedgehog from the Conningbrook roundabout installation.
"That installation was removed by the local grass cutting team, but a big thank you to them for returning it to me. Unfortunately many other pieces have been stolen."
The auction will run until Sunday, June 27 with all proceeds going directly to Pilgrims Hospice.
Mr Allcorn has even offered to pay the postage to anywhere in the world.
To view and bid on the eBay lots, click here.
