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Pink Floyd frontman painting stolen

A self-portrait by legendary Pink Floyd frontman Syd Barrett has been stolen from an art gallery where it was on show.

The painting was taken from the Idea Generation Gallery, east London, on Saturday.

Its owner, the singer's former girlfriend, Libby Gausden, pleaded for the return of the 31cm (12ins) x 23cm (9ins) work.

She said: "I am very upset at the theft of the painting, it has huge personal value to me and I am appealing for its safe return."

A reward of £2,000 has been offered for information leading to the return of the work which was painted in the early 1960s before Barrett found fame with the psychedelic rockers.

Barrett, who died in 2006, founded the band with bass guitarist Roger Waters, drummer Nick Mason and Rick Wright on keyboards in 1965.

But his musical talents and his years as part of one of the world's most successful groups were prematurely cut short thanks to his drug-induced erratic behaviour.

He quit the band in 1968 and after an erratic solo career turned his back on the music business and became a reclusive figure.

One of the band's most famous songs, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, is inspired by him.

Gallery manager Eloise Rowley said the painting was taken from the building in Chance Street between 2.15pm and 3pm.

Source: music.uk.msn.com
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