The work – a neon-coloured postage stamp featuring The Prince Regent, George IV, by local street artist duo The Postman – disappeared from a wall in Hanningtons Lane on Monday (January 12).
Residents noticed its absence and were curious to know why it had been removed, particularly as it features on many walking tours.
Freya Springham, who lives nearby, said: “I hope it comes back; it’s quite iconic in the area. In the summer it always features on walking tours and we often see tourists taking selfies in front of it .”
The Prince Regent street art by The Postman in The Lanes (Image: Simon Dack)
The artwork was attached to the back wall of Greek restaurant The Olive Grove which closed a year ago. The building appears to be under construction and has been closed off with hoardings.
Artists The Postman told The Argus that they understand the artwork to have been removed as part of renovations to the building prior to the opening of a new business.
The anonymous duo from have garnered international acclaim for their colourful, pop-art murals and paste-ups of music and film icons.
Former restaurant The Olive Grove is behind hoardings (Image: The Argus)
Earlier this year they took to social media to a bid a fond farewell to the music wall on Gak, the music emporium in North Laine which closed after 30 years in the city.
The wall was covered with a number of colourful portraits of music legends including Prince, Bob Marley, Kate Bush, Amy Winehouse and David Bowie.
The duo managed to rescue a number of the works which they auctioned off.
George IV, known for his extravagance and flamboyance, transformed Brighton into a fashionable resort by building the Royal Pavilion, which he used as his seaside pleasure palace during his Regency (1811-1820) and reign (1820-1830).