[MSN] An artist is appealing for the return of a self-portrait after thieves stole the picture from the window of a Blackpool art gallery.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Art smash and grab
By Jane Willis

An artist is appealing for the return of a self-portrait after thieves stole
the picture from the window of a Blackpool art gallery.

The 4ft by 3ft painting was created by David Butterworth and was on display
The Blot Art Gallery, King Street before it was snatched by thieves
overnight on Wednesday, January 17.

The painting is called David's World and feature's the 48-year-old suspended
in a cloud.

Despite being the artist's portrayal of a content life without belief in
God, many people have likened the painting to famous religious works by
Spanish artist, Salvador Dali.

The culprits smashed the front glass of the premises to grab the painting
and David fears it may have been damaged in the theft.

Although the gallery has a number of other pictures on display David's art
work was the only one taken.
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He said: "If any one knows where it is please let the police know. The
picture has great sentimental value and I just want it back.

"I haven't even got a decent print of it."

David, a graphic designer, from Great Eccleston, attends the Blot artists'
group classes on the first floor of the gallery, owned by David's
sister-in-law, Corrine Streetly.

David, and his wife Lyn, are pressing ahead with plans to put together a
collection of portraits depicting Blackpool families with roots in the town.

They are looking for people with old family pictures and also photographing
people aged 60-plus.

http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/