Bewdley’s KEMP Hospice launches a public appeal to find artwork, allowing photos to be reunited with the legitimate owner, local professional artist Hillary J Baker.
Hillary, whose studio is near the shop, was asked to make a photo of a local celebrity.
The portrait formed part of a series of “forensic portraits” created using personal traces as part of the process.
Hillary said: I was overwhelmed by the fact that this photo meant a lot to me and was accidentally sold. “
The photo was rented and exhibited at a charity shop as part of the Foundry Artist Art Trail 2022, which includes 20 locations throughout the town that participated in the two-week event.
But unfortunately, this photo was accidentally sold for only £ 20 on Wednesday morning, July 13.
KEMP is now receiving a full refund and is urging customers to come forward to help the hospice reunite with the legitimate owner.
Caroline Beech, CEO of KEMP Hospice, said:
“We were miserable to know that this genuine unfortunate mistake had happened. Everyone on the team is very worried about seeing Hillary reunited with her picture as soon as possible. “
Gary Barnes, Head of Retail at KEMP, said:
“I’m really sorry for what happened. I did an internal investigation and unfortunately I’m sure it was a human error.
“I hope the person who bought the photo understands and helps me reunite with Hillary.”
Hillary goes on to say: “KEMP’s Bewdley Shop does a great job of supporting the local community and KEMP Hospice, but the photos make a lot of sense to me, so I’d love to find them and bring them back to the studio.
“With KEMP, send an email to [email protected] or call 01562 756 000 to appeal to anyone who may know where to contact the hospice. Photo as soon as possible. I hope I can return it. “
