Hackney Art Giveaway Turns Sour as Thousands of Prints Go Missing
Street artist Stik’s heartwarming gift to Hackney has hit a bump. The local legend created 100,000 prints of his “Holding Hands” artwork to spread kindness during the pandemic, handing them out for free to every home in the borough.
Following the installation of his “Holding Hands” sculpture in Hoxton Square, Stik wanted residents to keep or sell the prints as a symbol of solidarity. The council teamed up to distribute the posters via their publication Hackney Today, delivering them to distributors on 19 September.
Thousands of Prints Vanish Before Reaching Homes
While some households received their copy, a large chunk of prints mysteriously disappeared. Concerned locals flagged the issue to Hackney Council and police, prompting an official investigation.
Police and Stik issued a public appeal on 26 October, urging anyone holding the prints to return them safe and sound.
Thousands Returned After Police Appeal
- 1,000 prints were returned before the appeal.
- About 4,000 more came back after the public call-out.
Stik said:
“‘Holding Hands’ shows two people looking in opposite directions yet holding hands in a symbol of universal love and solidarity. The fact that so many prints were returned to the people of Hackney only amplifies its meaning.”
Detective Constable James Readman added:
“It’s heartening the public responded and returned most of the prints. Stik funded this himself to bring some joy during a tough year. Sadly, some tried to cash in by stealing them. We’re glad the prints are now being sent to their rightful owners.”
If you have any info to help police, call 101 quoting CRIS 4626404/20.
