EXCLUSIVE

by Alan Watkins

Rochester's answer to Banksy has been tracked down.

A charcoal depiction of Jesus was mysteriously drawn inside the Deanery Gate at the Cathedral a year ago.

Then in May, a portrait of the Dean of Rochester was secretly left at the foot of the altar.

Until now, the artist behind the religious work has kept out of the limelight like the famous mysterious street artist.

But the Messenger can reveal he is Michael Turley, a 23-year-old unemployed artist.

After being tracked down by the Messenger to his home in The Close, Rochester, he said: "Caught me!"

Mr Turley created the charcoal drawing of Jesus in pitch black only by the light of his mobile phone.

He admitted he did not think it was "that good" when he saw it in daylight.

"It wasn't one I could be proud of," said Mr Turley (pictured above).

But others disagreed. The work was considered so good that the Dean of Rochester, The Very Reverend Adrian Newman ordered it to be left, rather than washed out.

Then six months later, Mr Turley - who was completely unaware of the dean's intervention - left a portrait of him on the nave altar while the choir was rehearsing.

Since then the Cathedral has been trying to track down the artist to thank him.

Thanks to a series of clues - including a YouTube video showing him at work - Mr Turley has been identified.

The Dean was delighted - but equally embarrassed - to feature in the artwork.

He said: "I'd love to know why.

"Well, he's a good bloke!" said Medway's answer to Banksy.