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Catman street art at The Monument pub in Whitstable features landlord's children

A landlord's children feature in a striking new design which has been sprayed on his pub by a street artist.

Tom Hadler, who runs The Monument pub in Whitstable, has always wanted his friend Catman to use the pub as his canvas.

Catman's new street art at The Monument pub in Whitstable, featuring Honey and Josh. Picture: Catman
Catman's new street art at The Monument pub in Whitstable, featuring Honey and Josh. Picture: Catman

The street artist, also based in the town, keeps his identity closely under wraps and is known for his iconic works - including The Queen riding a segway and Boris Johnson playing game show Deal or No Deal.

His new design comes amid the national lockdown and aims to show support to frontline workers.

Images of the rainbow, which is included in the pub's street art, have been displayed throughout the coronavirus pandemic and are seen as a symbol of hope.

Mr Hadler, 36, said: "I’m lucky enough to know Catman and have been friends with him for quite a few years.

"I’ve always hassled him about doing something for us. It is a good time and message.

Catman is known for his work across his hometown and beyond. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Catman is known for his work across his hometown and beyond. Picture: Barry Goodwin

"Obviously it’s amazing for us because it is of our children so it means something personally.

"The times we are in at the moment, it is a bit of a positive message."

His son Josh, nine, can be seen painting a rainbow on the pub while Honey, six, is wearing a T-shirt which says "smile" and is holding a lamp above.

Mr Hadler, who has run The Monument for 12 years, was "delighted" when he saw the design which he and his wife, Sarah, helped to create with Catman.

Speaking to KentOnline, Catman said: “Given the current situation they wanted to give a bit of support and encouragement to frontline workers.

Catman at work on perhaps his most famous design
Catman at work on perhaps his most famous design

“It was Sarah who came up with the idea of the rainbow.

“Every time I go to the pub, Tom asks me where my spray paint cans are. He’s off my back now so I can go back to the pub in peace.”

The street artist is known for his work across his hometown and beyond - and is seen as Kent's answer to Banksy.

He first creates his designs on stencils before spraying on the desired building.

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable

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