Crime

Man charged 'after attacking Picasso painting' at Tate Modern art gallery | London Evening Standard

A man has been charged with criminal damage after reportedly attacking a Picasso painting at the Tate Modern art gallery.

Man charged 'after attacking Picasso painting' at Tate Modern art gallery | London Evening Standard
Man charged 'after attacking Picasso painting' at Tate Modern art galleryBust Of A Woman by Picasso was ripped while on display at the Tate Modern (pictured)AFP via Getty Images

A man has been charged with criminal damage after reportedly attacking a Picasso painting at the Tate Modern art gallery.

According to the BBC, Bust Of A Woman was ripped while on display at the central London gallery.

The Metropolitan Police said Shakeel Ryan Massey, 20, from north-west London, appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court on Monday, charged with criminal damage.

The alleged incident happened on Saturday, according to Scotland Yard.

A gallery spokesman said: "The work of art is with our conservation team for expert assessment.

"Tate Modern remains open."

According to the Tate's website, the oil painting, which was created in 1944 in Paris, depicts photographer Dora Maar in a semi-abstract style, wearing a hat and green clothing while sitting on a black metal chair.

Massey was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Inner London Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing on January 30.