whitewash

A number of valuable works of art have been destroyed by over-zealous cleaning staff at the Tate Modern this year. The information came to light after a series of FoI requests were submitted after rumours spread around the art world of the tragedy.

Two canvasses that were installed in a specially crafted recess in the wall so that they were flush with the surrounding structures were mistaken for graffiti and painted over while "Untidy Bedroom", the 2008 Turner Prize winner, has also been irreparably tidied.

"I was only doing my job" said the cleaner responsible for destroying over £50 million of artwork. "No-one told me these were new exhibits. I thought that vandals had sneaked in past security. If I'd been properly informed of the exhibits then this wouldn't have happened."