A Syd Barrett self portrait painting (see left) was stolen from London's Idea Generation Gallery on Saturday April 9th; it was part of the 'Syd Barrett Arts & Letters' exhibition. Libby Gausden, the owner of the painting and a former girlfriend of Syd's, has issued a heartfelt plea for its return. A reward of £2,000 has been offered for information leading to the painting's safe return – callers should contact Idea Generation Gallery on 0207 749 6850.

Syd Barrett painted the self portrait between 1961 and 1962 and gave it to Libby Gausden, his then girlfriend. This was the first exhibition to have shown the 31cm x 23cm painting.

Libby Gausden 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."

Eloise Rowley, Gallery Manager, confirmed that the painting was stolen from Idea Generation Gallery, 11 Chance Street, EC2, on Saturday afternoon between 2.15 – 3pm. Please, if you have any information on this, contact the gallery and let them know.