Three valuable works of art have been stolen from an art gallery in Saintfield.
The theft took place on Monday or Tuesday last week when the owners of the fourth floor Top Floor Gallery and Open Studio were out and it was being minded by Agar Antiques who own the building at 92 Main Street, Saintfield.
The three pieces were framed textile pieces of Space Junk, ie art make from waste material. They are essentially embroidered and recycled materials and natural materials are woven in to the work – silk and other natural fabrics are often used.
Artist Emma Whitehead said: “It was very disturbing to see the pieces had been removed and I would appeal to whoever took them to ensure that they are returned. They were actually exhibition pieces, around a half metre square and framed. They were not the usual pieces I would do for sale. It is really quite puzzling why someone would take only these pieces.
“They were all worked up on the theme of space junk. The value in total of the three would be in the region of £1200. Working in this medium is very time consuming and it could take over two weeks or more to make some pieces. They are certainly very unusual and distinctive items.
“I work mostly with embroidery and art and no-one in Northern Ireland is doing this at the moment in this way. This art is really a one-off as I use unique recycled materials for each work.”
Emma shares the Top Floor Gallery with her business partner Stephen McClean who is a fine artist who paints in oil, watercolour and acrylics. They have been in business for over five years at this location and Top Floor Gallery has grown and is now bursting at the seams with a wide range of art products from different disciplines.
Emma added: “Our business and reputation has grown in recent years. We are currently showing the work of around twenty artists, and our walls and space are always very busy. We do have occasional exhibitions and launches there too. But our spread covers ceramicists; jewellers; printers; textile artists; wood, metal and glass workers; and candle makers as well as fine artists.
“I personally specialise in embroidery and had stitching. The Top Floor Gallery certainly has a wide range of arts forms and products to catch the imagination. We even hold sowing classes here in this very stimulating environment.
“Certainly we are now reviewing our security and will look at CCTV and possibly install a few mirrors. I expect all of the art and antique  outlets in Saintfield will also be looking at their security too.
“To date we have never had a theft and our premises which was basically unattended Monday and Tuesdays. Now we have to close those days and open the rest of the week from Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. If anyone wishes to view during those closed days they can contact me at:
info@topfloorart.co.uk
“This has certainly been an eye-opening experience for us. We have always worked on a basis of trust that people would not steal anything. But now that has changed things, but we will carry on undaunted and look forward to another busy year as people around the district come along and look for that magical piece of art that will adorn their homes and create endless points of interest and conversation.”
