Reuse store promoting signed Rolf Harris now fundraising to ‘destroy it’ after ideas
One shop were conflicted after a painting signed by Rolf Harris came up for sale – but decided to consult their opinionated customers on what’s best to do – including ‘burn it’
A shop put up a picture of men running signed by the disgraced Rolf Harris up for sale – but are now claiming they’ll burn it for charity.
Preen Community Interest Company, based in Bedfordshire, sell second hand items for the community. They came across an interesting painting of five men running in football kits. However on closer inspection it became clear that the photo had been signed by paedophile and former family entertainer, Rolf Harris. The painting even came with a certificate of authentication.
Taking to Facebook, the company shared the photo – with regret – and asked for their customers advice on what to do with the product. The responders were very firm with their thoughts.
The company wrote: “Unfortunately this is a signed Rolf Harris – ‘Running into the Dusk’ – number 27 of 295. We have been torn, for obvious reasons, about whether we should sell this at all.
“We would love nothing more than to put our foot through it and destroy it – but it’s worth quite a lot of money on the open market.”
The company noted that proceeds would go to a good cause: “Between us, the team have decided that all the money raised from the sale of this, will go to a charity who specialise in preventing child abuse – we were thinking the NSPCC but any suggestions are greatly appreciated.”
Priced at £250, customers were quick to share their disgusted thoughts. One wrote: “Or you could charge £10pp to stab it once with a fork.” Another added: “I’d pay you to destroy it…”
A third noted: “I wonder if you could set up a just giving page or similar to raise the £250 and then burn it to dust. I’d happily donate and others would too.”
Someone echoed this statement, with: “Don’t sell it raise money to burn it.”
Soon after the post was published, the company had a change of heart and decided to follow their customer’s ideas.
They added: “We have seen the majority of comments think it should be destroyed but we could still run a fundraiser for an appropriate charity. I’ve arranged that.
“Hopefully by destroying it completely and at the same time raising awareness of a charity that supports children and young people at risk of abuse we can get it out of circulation and help someone too.”
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The page read: “Instead of selling it we will collect donations from people who’d like to see it destroyed – and give the money to a Link To Change. They are a brilliant local charity that support vulnerable children and young adults in Bedfordshire at risk of abuse.
“We’ll film us destroying it when we hit our target (or the fundraiser ends). Thank you in advance for your contribution.”
So far the cause reached £125 from eight donations.
Many of Rolf Harris’ paintings are still available to buy on eBay – at a hefty price.
Some of the abusers works are nearly fetching £500, with an array of self portraits and animal prints still for sale.
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