Bailiffs seize works in Art Works Gallery rent dispute

Oct 2 2009 by David Whetstone, The Journal

Mr Rowley said yesterday that in May the council had asked the Star & Shadow to begin paying its rent directly to them.

He said: “The Star & Shadow is a completely innocent party in all this and we are doing everything we can to make sure they are not affected.”

He added: “With Mr Forster, we reached the end of the line and instructed bailiffs who gave him the chance to pay before taking possession of goods on Friday.”

Art works and other property were taken into safe keeping and the locks on the building were changed. It is understood that on Saturday several artists arrived to collect their work but found the building locked up.

Mr Rowley said the council was ensuring the rent was still being paid to the landlord, Tyne Tees, although the lease was still the property of Mr Forster.

“We have a policy that we support the arts but we are taking steps to retrieve money owed,” he said.

Star & Shadow volunteer Christo Wallers said the charity was solvent and still in business and had ambitions to remain in the building beyond next June.

To collect their work, artists must contact the bailiffs at Thoburns Enforcement Services, Gateshead, on (0191) 477-0296. Alternatively, they can email council surveyor Chris Healy on chris.healy@newcastle.gov.uk