The Metropolitan Police said it is unable to proceed with an investigation due to a lack of evidence
The exhibition promoting social justice was shut nine days earlier than planned due to the vandalism(Image: Supplied)
A London art curator is devastated after pickaxe-wielding vandals forced her exhibition to shut early. On three consecutive nights last week galleries in Marylebone and Holborn were attacked by thugs attempting to shatter the glass shopfront
‘Window Wonderland’ was launched on December 12 as an alternative Christmas window exhibition to the high-end Central London department stores which “air capitalist fantasies of the current world”, curator Pallas Citroen told MyLondon.
It featured artwork illustrating the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the push for women’s freedom in Iran along with other social justice themes. The exhibition being held in both venues owned by The Bomb Factory Art Foundation was meant to run until January 18, but Pallas was forced to board the sites up following the vandalism which caused £15k worth of damage.
“I just didn’t think anyone would have that much vitriol or hate,” she said. “People felt a prolonged attack over three nights would prove something.
‘Free UK’ was written onto the exhibition window with orange lipstick(Image: Supplied)
“But overall I’m really pleased we did it, it highlights the fact it’s a necessary exhibition. I think it’s very important for art galleries to take on socio-economic issues. The response from the public has been incredibly positive.”
Initial protests against the exhibition in the opening week consisted of people spitting on the shop windows. Following Christmas, these actions became more severe leading to the glass at the Marylebone site being attacked between January 6 and January 9.
This was coupled with Union Jack and St George’s Cross stickers being left on the window, along with the words ‘Free UK’ being written in orange lipstick.
Daniel Lismore, whose exhibit portrayed contrasting messages such as ‘refugees welcome’ plastered across the British flag, saw the window in front of his work attacked by vandals.
Daniel has a sizeable following of 100k people on Instagram, and believes it is linked to online hate and death threats he has received in recent months.
“These groups say they’re all for freedom of speech but they can’t face it when it’s directed towards their beliefs,” he told MyLondon. “It’s cowardly. They’re hatred towards minorities blinds their own judgement.” These sentiments were echoed by fellow artist Fa Razavi, whose artwork focused on motherhood and the lack of freedom for women in her home country of Iran.
Attacks on the museum have led to £15k worth of damage(Image: Supplied)
“I questioned myself when I saw the window said ‘Free UK’,” she told MyLondon. “A free UK, without freedom of speech!? Do they actually see freedom of speech as a threat to freedom?
“I’m also disappointed by many of those in power, but I don’t think directing the anger caused by this at each other is the solution. The people who attacked the gallery are not monsters, or our enemies, but they’ve been affected by their ideology and have directed their anger to towards people that also want their voices heard.
“Attacking a gallery and writing “Free UK” will not solve any problems but divide people even more.
“The problem is bigger than calling a human being in the street an enemy. The attack didn’t stop the conversation. If anything, it confirmed exactly why we need to keep having it.”
Pallas has confirmed both buildings are insured for both of its windows which will mostly cover the cost of the damage. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the force has been unable to continue with its probe due to a lack of evidence.
“Police were called to a gallery on Marylebone Road, Regents Park on Sunday, 11 January following a report of criminal damage,” they added.
“Officers exhausted all available lines of enquiry, but were not able to proceed with an investigation. Officers met with the gallery owners to explain this decision-making.
“Local officers continue to be in contact with the gallery to provide reassurance and offer advice and support. Anyone with any information or footage that could help police should call 101 quoting 01/7037527/26.”
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