Following new lines of enquiry police are investigating an incident of fraud, whereby two pieces of art were falsely purchased from a gallery in Cockermouth.
The two pieces of art are:
- ‘To The Studios’ by Frank Auerbach, valued at £29,000
- ‘Portrait of GB’ by Frank Auerbach, valued at £12,000
In February, a man contacted the gallery to purchase the pieces and bought them using fraudulent card details. The pieces were collected and taken to an address in Manchester. The art is now missing.
Police are appealing for information in relation to the purchase and alleged ‘buyer’ of this art, along with any information on the whereabouts of the paintings now.
Anyone with information should call DC 2483 Chestney of Cumbria Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting log 60 of the 22nd February 2019.