Two men have been sent to jail for stealing a solid gold toilet worth £4.8 million from Blenheim Palace in 2019. The unusual crime, which stunned the art world, involved the theft of an 18-carat gold toilet that was part of an exhibition.
The toilet, named “America,” was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and was fully functional. It had been installed in a room at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Just hours after the launch of the exhibition, the gold toilet was ripped out and stolen.
James Sheen, one of the men involved, admitted to planning and taking part in the theft. He was sentenced to four years in prison. Michael Jones, another suspect, denied the charges but was found guilty and received a sentence of two years and three months.
Despite several investigations and arrests, the golden toilet has never been found. Authorities believe it may have been melted down or sold in pieces. The crime caused damage to the palace’s plumbing and building, as the toilet was connected to the water system and ripped out roughly.
The theft shocked many people around the world due to its bold nature and the high value of the artwork. It has since been seen as one of the most daring and bizarre art thefts in recent years.
The case highlights both the vulnerability of high-value art and the risks some are willing to take for money, even if it means destroying rare and unique creations.
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