Chiswick House Artist Victim Of Art Theft

Barry Martin appeals for help tracing thirty stolen collages

Barry Martin, artist-in-residence at Chiswick House and Gardens has been the victim of a theft of several of his works of art, all of them made in the studio at Chiswick House. He says the collages represent three years of work.

On April 12th, a total of 30 collage art works by Barry were stolen along with his Suzuki van from outside his home in in Twickenham. The theft happened in the afternoon and the artworks were inside the van.

Neither have been found. The Metropolitan Police Art Theft Unit are seeking to recover the art works but haven’t any leads at present. The works all have futuristic subject matter and are highly coloured like the image above.

The artist was just about to have the works studio photographed when they were stolen and has only informal pics for his records.

Barry says: "All the works were created in the Chiswick House Grounds studio and represent the last three years of work. It is very upsetting. Please report any sightings to the police or to me."

Barry's most recent work is included in one of the chapters of a book entitled 'Interior Futures', which was launched by the Royal College of Art and Crucible Press California, at a prestigious event in March.

The ‘Interior Futures ‘ book includes his entry (below), and one of those prints is included in the group of work stolen.

Barry's entry in the book, see his explanation below

Barry Martin became the most versatile and prolific British exponent of Kinetic Art in London in the Swinging Sixties and early 190s. Kinetic Art offered a European alternative to the Anglo-American options of Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism.

Barry Martin outside Chiswick House

Barry is based at a studio in the South Lodge, Chiswick House, which he restored over a period of years in the late 1980s, and he also mentors architectural students who come to Chiswick House as part of their studies.

May 11, 2019