Art gallery struck twice by thief (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Art gallery struck twice by thief

7:30am Tuesday 21st October 2008 in News By Paola Dellafiora

A ST ALBANS art gallery has been targeted by a daring thief for the second time in two months.

Last month a £200 painting was stolen from Original Canvases in St Albans. Following that another £300 canvass was taken on Saturday.

Owner Ben Askem is now appealing for information of their whereabouts.

Mr Askem said: “I noticed the painting was there at around 1pm but as I was leaving the shop at around 5pm it was missing. It must have been taken while I was distracted with a customer.”

“It's one thing selling your art to someone that appreciates it and another thing completely when it is just taken. I can’t understand why somebody would want to steal them as they are not particularly of high value.”

Both paintings were created by Mr Askem who says their striking nature makes them easily identifiable. One of the canvases was a figure of a woman approximately 30inches by 20 and was painted in brown and cream oils.

The second was a seascape canvass around 24inches by 24 painted in deep blues and white.

Mr Askem added: “I’m hoping that if a member of the public sees these pictures there is a chance they could be returned.

“They are both original and unique, so there could be no mistaken identity.”

If you have any information about these paintings contact Ben Askem on 01727 855008.