Published: June 11, 2012

By GEORGE LINDSAY-WATSON

TEN foot high images of The Beatles wearing bandanas have popped up on the side of an old sorting office in Holborn.

They appeared in Museum Street next to a picture of The Queen and a royal guardsman on Thursday. The Queen and soldier are shown with cheeky grins and tins of paint.

It is thought the work is by Banksy's associate, French street artist Mr Brainwash - and the paste-ups have fuelled rumours of a Mr Brainwash, aka Thierry Guetta, exhibition at the venue this summer.

Sarah Goodger, 28, who works in The Old Crown opposite the mural, said: “I was here the other day when it was going up. The amount of people who were in here, taking photos, people loved it. We are open until three and people were going out taking pictures, doing stupid poses then coming back in to carry on dancing. It was great.”

Los Angeles-based Mr Brainwash, who is known for his street art documentaries, filmed the secretive Banksy in 'Exit Through the Gift Shop'. He was filming in the area last week for his latest project.

Another Old Crown staff member, Jenna Stossel, 25, said: “I think it's beautiful. We actually met the artist. We looked out and there were film crews and they were doing crazy stuff in the middle of the road. They all came in here after they finished filming.”

The work, which took five hours to produce, was welcomed by locals. Agatha Grlisano, 19, who works as a nanny in the area said: “I think they are amazing. I like the irony about the monarchy. A little bit of irony these days is a good thing.”

Zukal Kochdaj, 43, from nearby cafe Le Petit, added: “It makes you smile when you look at it I think. I looked at it and there was a big grin on my face. It's nice, beautifully drawn.”

The venue declined to comment.