A Belfast businessman has withdrawn artwork on paramilitary groups and state forces after a relative of a man killed by the British army branded a shop display ‘disgusting’.
Stephen Farnan took the decision to remove the ceramic tiles from an outlet at CastleCourt Shopping Centre in Belfast city centre on Wednesday.
The collection of tiles includes the initials of the UDA, UFF, and IRA.
Several tiles also reference the ‘Royal Ulster Constabulary’, ‘Black and Tans’ and ‘Paras’ – believed to refer to the Parachute Regiment, which killed 14 innocent Catholics in Derry in 1972.
Paramilitary themed tiles on display in Belfast
The artwork includes the message ‘sorry for your troubles’ – a phrase often used in Ireland when offerings condolences after a death – along with the words ‘the Irish problem’.
The collection of tiles also includes other Troubles images, including a British ‘pig’ vehicle, a police armoured Land Rover and phrases such as ‘Ulster Says No.’
A shamrock has also been placed strategically on pieces of artwork referring to paramilitary groups.
Many of the tiles are priced at £14.95 while a ‘buy three get one free’ offer is advertised.
While hundreds of tourists visit the landmark CastleCourt Shopping Centre every week during the summer months, thousands more are expected to visit the retail complex next week during the All-Ireland Fleadh.
Concerns about the tiles on display were raised after a relative of a man killed by the British army came across the artwork while shopping.
She later contacted the business – ‘We Have It Wrapped Up’ – in writing to express her ‘disgust’.
“I cannot and will not go into the hundreds of kidnappings, tortures, and murders carried out by these groups,” she wrote.
“But there are thousands of people in your community and across the island of Ireland who have been impacted by the groups named on your tiles.
“They have spent years mourning loved ones, living with the trauma, and facing nothing but a stone wall from the state responsible.
“Are you really “sorry for their troubles,” as your tiles so pathetically state?”
The woman urged the owner to remove the offending items.
Tiles on display in We have It Wrapped Up at Castle Court Shopping Centre
In a statement, business owner Stephen Farnan said he has “decided to withdraw this small collection from sale”.
“The work formed part of my Belfast Delft collection and consisted of approximately eight designs from a wider body of work comprising hundreds of hand-drawn and handmade pieces celebrating Ireland’s culture, heritage, music, landscape and communities,” he said.
“The collection was never created to celebrate, glorify or endorse any organisation associated with the Troubles.
“It was intended as an artistic attempt to acknowledge and reflect on a difficult and complex period in Northern Ireland’s history.”
Mr Farnan confirmed the collection has been withdrawn.
“I recognise that this remains a deeply sensitive subject and understand that some people will disagree with that approach,” he said.
“While I continue to stand by the intention behind the work, I have reflected on the concerns raised and decided that withdrawing the collection is the most appropriate course of action.”
Castle Court Shopping Centre declined to comment.