eBay says will review the sale of Rolf Harris’s artwork and other items associated with the entertainer following his convictions for child sex offences
Auction website eBay is reviewing the sale of artwork and other items associated with Rolf Harris, it has announced.
The 84-year, who was found guilty of child sex offences earlier this week, will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday.
Since his conviction there has been a brisk trade of his work on eBay, but in a statement, the website said it was considering a ban on items associated with the shamed entertainer.
In a statement, the company said: “eBay doesn’t allow sale of offensive items on our site, including those related to criminal activity.
“As soon as an issue comes to light, we immediately remove any listings which related to the allegations. We continuously review our policies and have considered these situations carefully.
“We are in the process of closely reviewing the items for sale on our site that relate to Rolf Harris. We acted immediately when we learnt of the allegations and have kept this issue under continuous review.”
On eBay, a signed limited edition print of Harris’s The Straw Hat – an image of a female wearing only pants and a hat – is listed for £500 and has just eight people watching it.
There are 34 bids on an original oil painting by Harris depicting a harbour scene, with the current bid at £410.
On the listing, the seller has a note saying: “despite rolf court appearances it doesnt take away the fact he is a very good artist therefore its a superb future investment” (sic).
Another painting on eBay, the rear view of a naked female, is priced at £200 and has five people watching it.
The value of the veteran entertainer’s art has plummeted since he was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against four girls, the youngest of who was just seven-years-old.
Experts claim the prices paid for Harris’ work are likely to remain “enormously down” for “a very long time”.
The Australian-born painter, who will be stripped of his Bafta in the wake of his convictions and could face losing his prestigious CBE, is “not the world’s greatest artist” anyway, according to art dealer Peter Nahum.
“From what I’ve seen he makes popular pictures which have sold a) because they’re nice, and hangable, and b) because he is who he is. I don’t think people will want those hanging on their wall. There’s plenty of other choices,” he said.
Mr Nahum, who is known for his appearances on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, dismissed reports that art dealers would be snapping up Harris’s paintings at low prices in the hope their value would increase over time.
“What art dealers? Where’s the proof?” he said.
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