Hackney Art Gift Turns Sour as Stolen Prints Hit Online Market
STIK’s much-loved 2016 artwork, ‘Holding Hands’, was meant to be a heartfelt gift to every Hackney household. The 50cm x 50cm poster, celebrating his iconic sculpture in Hoxton Square, was supposed to lift spirits after the tough Covid-19 lockdowns. Instead, thousands of prints have vanished—and some ended up being sold online.
100,000 Posters Printed – But Many Never Arrived
Working with Hackney Council, STIK’s studio produced 100,000 colourful posters in teal, blue, red, orange, and yellow. These were handed out free with the council’s monthly paper, Hackney Today, in late September. While many residents welcomed the gesture, huge pockets never received their prints.
Posters Stolen, Sold – Police Launch Investigation
STIK’s team soon realised batches of the prints had been sold online, completely against the artist’s wishes. The police were alerted, launching a probe into what looks like theft from the distribution chain. DC James Readman said,
“The artist paid a substantial amount to print these posters as a gift to Hackney’s people. It’s deeply disappointing many were stolen and sold for personal gain.”
So far, about 1,000 prints bought by unsuspecting fans have been returned, but thousands remain missing. Authorities are calling on anyone with information to come forward to help recover the rest.
Artist and Council Plead for Returns
STIK said, “These artworks were intended as a gift to the people of Hackney. Any which are returned will be re-distributed to those who missed out.” Hackney Council echoed the sentiment, condemning the theft as a letdown to residents and promising to do everything possible to get the posters back into rightful hands.
If you have information, ring the police on 101 quoting reference CRIS 4626404/20.
