Hackney Art Gift Stolen and Sold Online – Police Launch Probe
Thousands of free art prints meant as a gift to Hackney residents have been snagged and flogged online, sparking outrage and a police investigation. The 50cm x 50cm posters feature STIK’s iconic 2016 drawing, ‘Holding Hands’, celebrating his sculpture installed in Hoxton Square.
Gift Turns Sour: Prints Vanish From Distribution
STIK and Hackney Council teamed up to print 100,000 copies of the colourful poster, aiming to brighten lockdown gloom for every household. The prints, in teal, blue, red, orange, and yellow, were bundled with the September issue of the council’s Hackney Today newspaper.
While some residents were thrilled to get their hands on the artwork, many others never received a single copy. STIK’s studio noticed large batches being sold online, sparking suspicions of theft during distribution.
Police Investigate Missing Prints and Urge Their Return
STIK: “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.”
DC James Readman, Central East Command Unit, said: “The artist paid out of his own pocket to produce these prints as a gift. While many received theirs, thousands were left disappointed. It seems boxes of prints were stolen and sold without permission.”
“We urge anyone with information or those holding prints to contact us to help get them back where they belong.”
Council Condemns Theft and Supports Artist
Hackney Council called the theft “disappointing” and urged the public to help recover stolen prints. They stressed the gift was meant to ease months of hardship caused by Covid-19 and lockdowns.
“This has left many residents upset,” the council said, “We thank STIK and all involved in the delivery and will do everything possible to get the posters back into rightful hands.”
If you have any information about the missing prints, call police on 101 with reference CRIS 4626404/20.
