PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Launch of ‘Legend' reignites international interest in The Krays memorabilia

After years of hanging on a wall in an East London residence, 'Down But Not Out' an original oil painting of the Kray twins, has caught the eye of an international collector. The undisclosed bidder has made a shock offer for the work of art by Paul Lake, which if accepted, will make the painting the most expensive piece of Kray memorabilia ever sold at $90,000.

 
'Down But Not Out" by Paul Lake 

'Down But Not Out', was created for the Kray twins Freedom Campaign led by Pete Gillett, a former cell mate of Reggie's, to which prints were sold off to raise funds to appeal their prolonged incarceration. Lake's oil on canvas is the only ever commissioned portrait of Ronnie and Reggie Kray and much appreciation was shown both in Reggie's prison letter and also, the letter by Paul Lake's present mentor Francis Bacon. That particular letter later sold at auction for nearly £8,000.

A print of this iconic image of the twins was last seen outside Reggie's funeral service surrounded in yellow flowers and before that it was clearly seen within Ronnie's funeral procession.

The portrait has had almost as many scrapes and bruises as the gangsters themselves, as in 1995 the painting was shot and stabbed by an enemy of the Krays to which a 9mm bullet hole tore through Reggie's forehead and a 3 inch knife wound cut through Ronnie's blazer pocket intended for his heart. The painting has since been professionally repaired but the war wounds can still be seen from behind.

Pete Gillett, known as 'The adopted son' of the Kray twins claimed ownership of the painting when it resurfaced in 2002. Gillett is one of the only people who can truly authenticate any of Ronnie & Reggie's artwork, of which there have recently been a number of forgeries.

The painting was also featured in the hit TV program Posh Pawn where Brian Long, a former associate of Charlie Kray and former inmate of Pete Gillett, represented the current owner, Paul Cox who said, "I bought the painting a number of years ago as an investment alongside four original artworks by Reggie Kray himself. The fact that it was commissioned via renowned artist Francis Bacon is what really sold it to me at the time, as well as the story behind it of course.

I'd never really thought about selling the painting until I had the interest from the overseas collector. I haven't yet decided if I'm going to accept, but if I do, it will make Lake's portrait the most expensive piece of Krays memorabilia ever sold...and it's certainly a story to tell the grandkids in years to come.

The release of ‘Legend', Tom Hardy's latest movie about the Kray twins, has reignited international intrigue about the infamous gangsters and the life that they led. It's clear from the pricey offer for the painting that the fascination the pair engendered has never really faded.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact Rebecca Underwood at PReach PR Ltd.

Phone: 07817 553 299

Email: becca@preachpr.co.uk