![]() ![]() “America” first went on display at the Guggenheim in New York City in 2016. “Firstly, it’s plumbed in and secondly, a potential thief will have no idea who last used the toilet or what they ate. “It’s not going to be the easiest thing to nick,” Spencer-Churchill said. In an August interview with the Times, Edward Spencer-Churchill, the current Duke of Marlborough’s half-brother and founder of the Blenheim Art Foundation, dismissed the possibility that the toilet could be stolen. In a direct plea to the thieves, he added: “Dear thieves, please, if you are reading this, let me know how much you like the piece and how it feels to pee on gold.” “I always liked heist movies and finally I’m in one of them.” “When this morning I was informed about the robbery I thought it was a prank and it took me a while, after a few checks, to come to the conclusion that it was true and it wasn’t a surreal movie where instead of the jewels of the crown, the thieves went away with a b***** toilet,” he said in a statement. Pete SeawardĬattelan appeared to make light of the situation, describing the thieves as “great performers.” ![]() The toilet was part of an exhibition by artist Maurizio Cattelan, held at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. The investigation continues, but it will be business as usual from tomorrow, so visitors can continue to come and experience all we have to offer,” Hare said. “It’s therefore a great shame an item so precious has been taken, but we still have so many fascinating treasures in the Palace and the remaining items of the exhibition to share. “We knew there was huge interest in the Maurizio Cattelan contemporary art exhibition, with many set to come and enjoy the installations.” We are very grateful to our staff and to Thames Valley Police for their rapid and brave reactions,” he continued. “We are saddened by this extraordinary event, but also relieved no one was hurt. Hare told CNN in a statement: “‘Following the Thames Valley Police statement we can confirm ‘America,’ the art piece by Maurizio Cattelan has been stolen in the early hours of this morning.” ![]() Inspector Richard Nicholls said that a reception party Friday evening marking the launch of the exhibition “would form part of our inquiries in order to ascertain events leading up to the item being stolen.” He noted, however, that commenting on how the item was stolen “would be speculation at the moment.” ![]() We are working closely with Thames Valley Police and would direct any media enquiries to them at this stage.- Blenheim Palace September 14, 2019 We can confirm there was an incident overnight which has led to Blenheim Palace being closed until 2pm today. “The artwork has not been recovered at this time but we are conducting a thorough investigation to find it and bring those responsible to justice,” Milne continued, appealing for any potential witnesses to contact police. A 66-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft.ĭetective Inspector Jess Milne said in the statement: “Due to the toilet being plumbed in to the building, this has caused significant damage and flooding,” adding, “We believe a group offenders used at least two vehicles during the offense.” The thieves left the scene at about 4:50 a.m., according to a statement posted online. Thames Valley Police received a report of the toilet’s theft at 4:57 a.m. Solid gold toilet to land in English stately homeĭominic Hare, CEO of Blenheim Palace, said that the artwork, titled “America,” is valued at around $6 million. ![]()
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