I thought it appropriate to let you know about issues I am having with Graffik Gallery and Ollie Cox. I bought these two Invader street pieces from them last year. However, after contacting Invader, i have been advised that they are fake and Graffik are refusing to refund me what I paid. Invader has confirmed that – they are (in his words) “absolutely fake” and are “just a few tiles bought and assembled”. I know that street artists don’t like their art being removed from the street and I understand that – and Invader was very clear about that aspect and how it destroys the street aspect when removed. But he was also very clear that he didn’t assemble or place the tiles the art that Graffik had sold me – and that whoever was selling it would know that.

When I spoke to Graffik, they initially agreed to refund but then they changed their mind because, so they said, the gallery didn’t have the cash available which, by itself raises other questions especially as Ollie stated that he “needed the money [from the sale] to keep the gallery afloat”.

I am disappointed by Graffik’s response. The invoice clearly stated that the art that was by Invader but Graffik also hold themselves out as experts in Invader street art –the gallery is described as having “carved a master status” and having “expertise” in “the realm of street art”. Additionally, Invader is listed as one of the gallery’s main artists (https://shop.graffikgallery.co.uk/collections/invader-art).

I purchased these for my own private collection, due to spiralling prices on his Alias works....I have been offered 5 figures ££ for them but have chosen to speak out instead against this Gallery, as i am aware they are and have sold other street works by Invader...in fact numerous .

I understand that i should never have purchased them in the first place but hey....BIG MISTAKE...

If I was invader I would deny that they were anything to do with me even if they were mine. It would be my lesson to people not to remove them from the street which is where they were meant to be.

Dealt with Ollie back in the day and found him decent enough - actually sold him a sizeable Invader print at one point and all went well. Times probably hard enough for galleries at the minute - but alarm bells should have been ringing on any sort of Invader street pieces (same for Banksy) - there’s enough info on here to raise the red flags. That being said I’d agree that if this is mis sold (which it appears to be) a full refund should be forthcoming, cash flow issues or not. The alternative might be accepting a return payment plan, or some other piece in stock in lieu, but that’s if you are feeling generous. Pretty sure you can go the legal route on this, but probably not ideal for you or the gallery…..

It sounds like you’re not being demanding enough with the gallery. You have the best evidence in your favour, that they are not real direct from the artist. Calling them out on here might not be beneficial in your favour for a fast resolve.

No matter the gallery’s financial situation, as soon as it was proven these are fake, they should’ve refunded your money. What an absolute shit move by graffik. I just came across several posts about this on IG; their name is forever tarnished, and by not making this right, rightfully so.

Thank you for your honesty Mission, and really sorry to hear of this issue.

Just my input, but my main concern is if they were 'requiring the funds to stay afloat', a real chance they would declare bankruptcy in advance of paying any of their debtors, yourself included.

I would be going in as fast, and as 'hard' as possible to get what is owed to you before they potentially do this. All the signs are there for this to happen.

All the best with sorting.

Nice one Mission.

Just to add to the above, you could instigate a claim yourself via The Small Claims Court? This I have personally found to be a very effective, cost effective, way of getting what is owed.

All the best with sorting.

Lots to come out hear. Im going to get some popcorn.
small claims is much easier now and costs less than £100 I think.
I don’t think graffik’s will survive this for many reasons

Because they are obviously going to go into administration and there will be no money coming back.,

you can’t get blood from a stone and this gallery sounds done 

Why were you contacting invader? To ask if they were real? I don't understand what sort of answer you were expecting 

Sorry to hear this mate and hope they are forced pay you back the full amount. Their response is really bad. As if they expect you to give up! Just thinking wouldn't Invader get the police involved also as it's fraud?

Looking at their website and for them to raise funds (as they are broke) they have a lot of art they can sell and even just to sell all the banksy's (do they own them?) at auction will raise a few hundred thousand and can pay you out.

Hope it gets sorted quickly fella and keep us updated 👍

Good post and yes as I was scrolling through their website I was thinking how many do they actually own or physically have in their gallery? As this is fraud, there needs to be investigation into have they sold any other fakes? 

They'll rent for sure based on their balance sheet from 2019, 99% of what they sell is on consignment and I'm sure any decent inventory will be "sold" cheap before the liquidators are called in. 

I think they have bankrupted companys before.
they were punting DotMeister’s for £££ as serious street art to the locals.
I did go to a show for Ru Knox who is a great Artist but wasn’t great and young girl was knowledge less about works on display & I think Ru Knox has moved on the better things.