Disabled Willenhall artist devastated by theft of self-portrait
A disabled grandfather has been left ‘gutted’ after a thief stole a painting he had slaved over for half a year – but he has offered to give the culprit a print if it is returned safely.
David Burbidge, from Willenhall, had gone to painstaking detail crafting the self-portrait which he had used as part of his degree in fine art at the University of Wolverhampton in 2015.
But while he was on holiday earlier this year a thief broke into the camper van on his drive at Stretton Road and stole the 3ft tall canvas.
Mr Burbidge, a father of six and grandfather to three, said: "I was gutted when I found out.
"It had taken me about six months, it was very detailed.
"It took me a long time I put a lot into it. I just want it back.
"I can redo it but I can't do it exactly as it was before."
Watch as Mr Burbidge appeals for the return of his painting:
Mr Burbidge had gone away to Skegness in July with his parents and it was his wife who called him just as he was heading back to break the news that the painting was gone.
It is thought the thief targeted the camper van between the night of Friday, July 21 and the early hours of the following morning.
A knitting machine was also taken but Mr Burbidge is more concerned about the painting and has even vowed to take no further action in the unlikely event the guilty party comes forward.
He added: "I just want it back. I don't mind doing a print of it for whoever has it, I just want the original back.
"I won't press charges."
Mr Burbidge said anyone who has information about the painting could call him on 07542 795967.
