Seized work of artist Ken Clarke is missing

Oct 8 2009 by Sara Nichol, The Journal

AN ARTIST who had his paintings taken by bailiffs after the gallery they were exhibited in closed is still looking for his work.

Gym owner Ken Clarke made a surprise move from champion weightlifter to successful artist back in March and was thrilled at the way his new career was heading.

But around 22 of his latest prints were displayed in Art Works Gallery, in Ouseburn, Newcastle, where bailiffs seized paintings and other art works after rent on the building went unpaid.

Newcastle City Council appealed to artists whose pieces were taken to pick their work up from an enforcement firm in Gateshead.

But while many have done just that, Mr Clarke could only find seven of his 22 prints.

Now the former Mr Britain, Mr Europe and Mr Universe is making an appeal to try and track down his “missing” work, which he says has a huge sentimental value and is worth nearly £1,000.

Landlords Newcastle City Council called in the bailiffs after Art Works owner Matt Forster fell behind with the rent. Artists were originally told the work would be auctioned but council bosses then informed them where it could be picked-up.

Mr Clarke, 43, from Felling, Gateshead, said: “I haven’t been doing this very long, so it is a real blow. I heard the gallery had closed and, after trying unsuccessfully to contact the staff and owner, I rang the council who told me all the work inside was going to be auctioned.