Lewes shopkeeper asked to remove obscene item from window display

A Lewes shopkeeper has been ordered to remove an 'obscene' chair from her window display on Station Street, Lewes.

The chair in question, had been decorated with 1950s images from Playboy magazines, it has now been cheekily draped it with its own public health warning, by Lucy Wilkes, the shop owner of the Print Room – known for its innovative displays and a notice in Print Room window says, on Police advice they took chair from window but you can ask to see it inside.

Police Officers visited the shop, after receiving complaints from members of the public*. They said the images on the seat contravened the Obscene Publications Act.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: "Police attended a Lewes shop following a complaint from a member of the public regarding an item that was on display in the shop window.

"The member of public was offended by the images displayed on a chair and the shop owner was politely asked by police to remove it from public view, which she voluntarily did."

The cheeky chair was decorated by Laura Diez, who runs Lollipop and Pepper at the Needlemakers in West Street.

Diez said: "I can't believe anyone in their right mind could actually be offended by this."I used 1950s Playboys which are no more scandalous than the front cover of some men's magazines which are on show in any newsagents.

"The sign now hanging from the piece of furniture reads: "This chair has been deemed inappropriate for public view. Please take care."

Wilkes, owner of the Print Room said: "We have had almost entirely positive comments from people apart from one woman who thought it was inappropriate."

The chair was for sale at £95 after finding fame it is to be auctioned via Lollipop & Pepper with all proceeds to Breast Cancer Awareness.

*It is unclear how many people complained - in their statement they said 'a person'.