Merseyside Police has shared an image of a man they want to speak to after a rare artwork was stolen from St George’s Hall
Merseyside Police has shared this image of a man they want to speak to after a rare artwork was stolen from St George’s Hall(Image: Merseyside Police)
Police investigating the theft of a rare artwork stolen from St George’s Hall have released a CCTV image of a man they believe may have information. On Monday October 13, a limited edition print of an artwork by former South African President Nelson Mandela was taken from the Mandela Room in St George’s Hall just before 7.45am.
Damage was caused to the frame during the break-in. The frame was left at the scene and a man was seen leaving the Grade 1 listed building shortly after the incident.
The police have conducted a forensic examination of the scene and worked through hours of CCTV footage in and around the iconic building that lies opposite Liverpool Lime Street Station.
A spokesman for the force said they had liaised with those running the building and Liverpool Council’s City Watch team, which monitors CCTV around the city, since the theft was first reported.
Following enquiries, a second CCTV image has been issued of a man officers believe could have information to assist their enquiries.
Anyone who recognises the man pictured is urged to contact police.
Merseyside Police has shared this image of a man they want to speak to after a rare artwork was stolen from St George’s Hall(Image: Merseyside Police)
The stolen print is titled ‘Imprisonment’ and is part of the limited-edition ‘Struggle Series’ produced by Nelson Mandela.
This print, one of a series symbolising the journey of South Africa and its people through the imagery of hands, was gifted to Liverpool’s Mandela8 organisation in 2018 by Dr Makaziwi Mandela during the group’s visit to South Africa.
Since 2018, Mandela’s centenary year, the prints have been on display at St George’s Hall with the blessing of Mandela8, which is a charity that was set up to oversee the installation of a permanent artwork in the Liverpool 8 post code area.
The charity explained that the prints were the first black artworks ever permanently exhibited in St George’s Hall, “marking a significant moment for the city and honouring Mr Mandela, one of the most important global leaders of our time.”
Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “Our investigation into this incident has been extensive, and as a result of those enquiries we have identified an image of a man we believe could help us make further progress.
“The print was a highly valued addition to the Mandela Room at St George’s Hall gifted to the Liverpool-based Mandela8 organisation in 2018 by Dr Makaziwi Mandela, a daughter of Nelson Mandela.
“It is a powerful image of hands bound, above the word imprisonment and Nelson Mandela’s signature, and we would urge anyone who has seen it since the theft or been offered it for sale to contact police or Crimestoppers.
Imprisonment, part of the Struggle Series of artworks by Nelson Mandela, was targeted by a thief at St George’s Hall(Image: Liverpool city council)
“If you are the man pictured or recognise him, please contact officers as we believe he may have information that could prove vital to our enquiries into this incident.”
Sonia Bassey, Chair of Mandela8, said: “We are deeply saddened by the theft of this significant artwork gifted to Mandela8 by Nelson Mandela’s daughter Dr Maki Mandela in 2018.
“The Nelson Mandela print, as part of the Struggle series, holds great cultural and emotional value, not only to Mandela8, but to the people of Liverpool. It symbolises the city’s enduring connection to Nelson Mandela’s legacy of peace, resilience and social justice and served as a lasting reminder of the city’s solidarity with South Africa’s struggle for freedom.
“We urge anyone who knows this man or has any information about where the print is to come forward and help ensure its safe return so that it can continue to inspire our communities for generations to come. We are grateful to Merseyside Police for all the work undertaken.”
Anyone with information on the theft is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 25000841827.
You can also report information via the website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. In an emergency always call 999.