Did he anticipate that the critics would claim that the work, in its partially shredded state, would climb in value to at least $2 million?

"My hand-painted batik greeting cards, sell very well, as I offer a free service of personalising the cards while the customer looks around the shop," says Judy Reardon.

I think if I tore up the proclamation 30 years ago I could have wound up getting shot.”

Artist Robert Rauschenberg, whose use of odd and everyday articles earned him a reputation as a pioneer in pop art but whose talents spanned the worlds of painting, sculpture and dance, has died aged 82.