City charity chief appeals for public’s help to track down stolen Mandela artwork

The chair of Liverpool’s Mandela8 charity has appealed for help to track down a valuable print by Nelson Mandela that was stolen from St George’s Hall just over a week ago.

‘Imprisonment’ is one of six limited edition works that form part of the ‘Struggle Series’ created by the former South African president.

Sonia Bassey says:

“This piece of art means so much to Liverpool and to the black community, because it’s an artwork by one of the most famous leaders in the world.

“The Struggle prints were gifted to us by Nelson Mandela’s daughter, Dr Makaziwi Mandela, when we visited in 2018.”

She goes on:

“I would ask everyone to be aware and keep their eyes peeled for the image, or alert us or the police if they hear anything about it.

“We would ask the public to remain vigilant in the hope that we can recover the print.”

The black and white print shows two hands facing downwards in cuffs and has the signature of Nelson Mandela.

Sonia says:

“The series of prints tells the story of South Africa’s journey through the hands of a male. This is the first one and it moves through to include Freedom, Youth, and more.

“The print was taken from the Mandela Room in St George’s Hall just before 7.45am on October 13. It was ripped off the wall, broken out of the frame and rolled up, before being put into a cloth and taken.  This is what the CCTV footage shows.

“The prints were displayed temporarily in the Town Hall before being put on display at St George’s Hall and were the first Black artworks ever permanently exhibited in the building, which is significant for the city and in honouring Nelson Mandela.

“We don’t know if this was a targeted attack or a random burglary, but its theft represents a huge loss of cultural heritage to Liverpool and an attack on its Black heritage.”

And she asks:

“What does it say to the Mandela family?”

Detectives have conducted a forensic examination of the scene and worked through hours of CCTV footage in and around the building and liaised with St George’s Hall and City Watch since the theft was reported.

A still of a man officers believe could have information to assist with those ongoing enquiries has been issued, and anyone who recognises the man pictured is urged to contact police.

Detective Inspector Paula Jones says:

“We are taking this theft extremely seriously, and have conducted extensive enquiries to establish what happened and to identify the offender.

“This print was a highly valued addition to the Mandela Room at St George’s Hall, and anyone who has visited since it was gifted in 2018 will have seen the powerful image.

“We would urge anyone with any information on this incident or anyone who has seen the artwork since it was taken to contact us as soon as possible.”

Sonia says:

“I just hope that someone recognises the person shown in the CCTV footage and is able to give the police information that will lead to it being found and recovered.

“Then we can put it back where it belongs to honour a great man who was given the Freedom of the City in 1994. With help, I hope we can do this.”

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 25000841827.

You can also report information via the website or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here.

Find more Liverpool news here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.