Headless Art Plinth Sells

The art plinth that lost its head has fetched a princely sum after a special auction. East Grinstead artist David Hensel attracted huge attention from the art world after only the base of his artwork, A Day Closer to Paradise, was selected for display at the annual Royal Academy Summer Art Show 2006. The base and the main body of the work, a large, laughing head, were separated during the selection process. Judges at the Royal Academy deemed the slate base and wooden stabiliser worthy of exhibition while the head, which was judged separately,was rejected. Mr Hensel, of Medway Drive, East Grinstead, was approached by The Times newspaper which offered to auction the work. The sale fetched £3,500 and the plinth will be delivered this week. The mystery buyer is from the Midlands. The artist said the whole experience has been a fascinating one, and he is chuffed that it has attracted interest from across the globe. "The publicity has been amazing. I have got a huge pile of press stuff. For the full story - click the title Irish Art