Ina Pickard had the artwork stolen from her home at Brewery Square in Dorchester, where she was exhibiting it for Dorset Art Weeks – a county-wide celebration which sees artists opening their home studios to visitors.
Callous thieves swiped a small painting called Hardy Country, which has significant sentimental value for the pensioner.
Mrs Pickard stopped painting when her husband passed away, and only picked up her brush again when she moved down to Dorset, capturing her new home county on canvas.
She said: “I’m disappointed that someone could stoop so low to do that and it’s a sad reflection on our society to steal from someone’s home when they’re welcomed in.
“It’s just not something you’d expect to happen. People steal from big places, but it’s below the belt stealing from a home.”
She said: “During one session, two people left the studio and then went out through the front door immediately – which I thought was a but rude as people usually say their thanks, but they hurried out.
“I was getting my works ready for another exhibition after Art Weeks when I noticed the painting was missing, as there was just a space on the wall where it was.”
Mrs Pickard added that she didn’t realise the painting had been missing for weeks before reporting the theft to police.
Most people visiting Mrs Pickard’s home studio for Dorset Art Weeks signed a guest book, but she is not certain if the person who took the painting did, and without CCTV, she feels as though her situation is ‘helpless.’
“It’s put me off exhibiting again in this way. I’m hoping if someone has seen the painting they will be able to identify it and return it,” she said.
Mrs Pickard reported the incident to the police but did not contact the arts week organisers.
A fellow artist told Mrs Pickard that the same thing had happened to them in the past.
Mrs Pickard moved to Dorset from Harrogate in North Yorkshire seven years ago following the death of her husband.
She said: “This was the first time that I have participated in art weeks, but I was used to it in North Yorkshire. Because I have a flat here and not a studio on the street I knew the footfall would be low as it wasn’t easy access.”
The artwork is irreplaceable, Mrs Pickard said, as she is not sure of where she painted it.
“I stopped painting when my husband fell ill, and I didn’t start again until I travelled down to Dorset.
“I’d paint random scenery on my travels, and because I don’t know Dorset that well, I’m afraid that I won’t be able to locate the spot again.”
A spokesperson for Dorset Police, said: “We received a report on Thursday July 4 that a painting had been stolen in Eldridge Street in Dorchester between Monday 3 June 2024 and Wednesday 5 June 2024. Enquiries have been carried out and no arrests have been made.”
A spokesperson for Dorset Art Weeks said: “Prior to the event we invited all participants to a zoom session where we covered practical preparations for their open studios including guidance on Public Liability insurance.
“We ask all venues at registration to get individual public liability, either through their own insurance or an arts specialist company. This is standard for any event like this where there are many individuals and groups opening up their studios or homes to show their art.”
Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of the painting is encouraged to contact Dorset Police quoting CRN 55240102520.
