Kray relative casts doubt on paintings
A collection of artwork by the Kray twins, due to be sold at auction, turned out to be fake.
The items were pulled from the sale at Westenhanger Auctioneers after “further extensive research”, according to auctioneer Michael Hogben.
The lots were among 300 items at the sale earlier this month.
Mr Hogben said: “On advice from a leading expert in this particular field, it was decided that the items are not original and, in further to consultation with a member of the Kray family, this was confirmed.”
It had been thought the 13 paintings were done by East End gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray while they were in hospital.
Eight paintings ‘by Reggie’ and five ‘by Ronnie’ – were part of a collection which, it was claimed, the twins had given to a friend in prison with them.
All had prison stamps and the sale also included items by notorious prisoner Charles Bronson.
Mr Hogben said they had been in a suitcase under the bed of the friend’s great uncle, who had been in prison with the Krays. A third member of a gang has admitted involvement in a sadistic burglary in which an elderly businessman and his wife were seriously injured by boiling water poured over them.
Daniel Wallace, 33, and Kacey Adams, 34, last month pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary at the couple’s home in Halstead, near Sevenoaks, while “armed” with cable ties, and two offences of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
They denied two offences of false imprisonment, and they were left on file.
Drew Morris, 27, on Monday denied aggravated burglary and admitted simple burglary when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court by video link with