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International Art Treasures Web Magazine January 2006 |
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Have you seen this Sculpture?
The Hertsfordshire Constabulary have appealed to the public for help in solving an artistic mystery. Who stole Reclining Figure from the Henry Moore Foundation in Perry Green, Much Hadham on Thursday December 15? In an apparently coordinated effort the thieves accessed the courtyard of the foundation premises in two vehicles the largest one has subsequently been recovered. The police are still looking for a Daihatsu four wheel drive with spotlights at the front. DS Graeme Smith of the Area Crime Unit said, “this is a very valuable statue and we are working closely with the Henry Moore Foundation to ensure its safe return. The Foundation is offering a substantial reward for information leading to its recovery." He added, “we would like to hear from anyone who has any knowledge of the offenders or who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area around the time of the theft.” The thieves, described as three males one with a hooded jacket and one with a baseball cap, were caught on Close Circuit Television and those images have been released.
Detective Inspector Maurice McKirdy of the Area Crime Unit said, “our major concern at this time is the safe recovery of the sculpture. This is a national treasure and the Foundation is offering a far more substantial reward than any value the thieves might gather from disposing of the bronze as scrap metal.” The Henry Moore Foundation has offered a reward of up to £100,000 with specific conditions for the return of Reclining Figure. The sculpture weighs two tons and is three meters in length. Its estimated value is £3 million. Anyone with information should contact Hertfordshire Constabulary on 0845 33 00 222, the Eastern Area Crime Desk on 01992 533 002, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. |
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