QUICK TAKES - July 11, 2009

Nelson Mandela has distanced himself from a London exhibition of disputed lithographs bearing his signature, his lawyer said Friday.

Bally Chuene said the Belgravia Gallery had scheduled a party and exhibition of artwork purported to be drawn by Mandela for Thursday -- two days before the statesman’s 91st birthday. He said the artworks were part of ongoing litigation between Mandela and his former lawyer in South Africa.

Mandela “did not sign those artworks,” he said. “It is important to tell the public that they are being deceived.” The gallery was contacted Friday, but managers did not respond to requests for comment.