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Up to seven people could soon be charged with the theft of a solid gold toilet stolen from Blenheim Palace in 2019 following a major breakthrough in the case
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 01 Sep 2023
The solid gold toilet was stolen from Blenheim Place in 2019 Credit: Getty
Police in the UK have made a “major breakthrough” following the theft of a £4.8m (US$6m, €5.6m)golden toilet stolen four years ago from Blenheim Palace.
The 18-carat solid-gold fully-functioning toilet, titled America, was supposed to be part of an exhibition by the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, but the work was stolen in an early morning heist in September 2019 when a group of seven people broke into the heritage attraction at around 5am and ripped it from the wall.
In addition to stealing the 196-pound golden latrine, the thieves also caused “extensive water damage” to the wood-panelled lavatory it was installed in, next to the room where former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill was born.
Media reports say that police have now sent a file to the Crown Prosecution Service in the hope that the case will be closed, though whether it will be returned remains to be seen, as it is thought the gold would have been disposed of “one way or another”.
Seven people have been arrested in connection with the theft, though there have been no charges as of yet. These include six men aged 36 to 68 and a woman aged 38.
“A number of individuals remain released under investigation in relation to this case,” said a statement from Thames Valley Police. “A file of evidence is with the CPS for a decision to be made on any charges.”
The toilet was first displayed in 2016 at the Guggenheim Museum. During that year, visitors were able to visit, and even use, the toilet “in the privacy of one of the Guggenheim’s single-stall, gender-neutral bathrooms”. It was designed to represent the US’s wealth and excess.
Heritage
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