4 men charged in theft of golden toilet from Churchill’s birthplace. It’s an artwork titled America

Authorities have brought charges against a quartet of men implicated in the heist of a golden toilet from the birthplace of Winston Churchill. This opulent lavatory, an 18-carat gold piece entitled “America,” was originally exhibited at Blenheim Palace and created by the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. The mansion, located close to Oxford, was stripped of the artwork under the cover of darkness in September 2019.

On Monday, the Crown Prosecution Service has given the green light to levy burglary and conspiracy to transfer criminal property charges against the individuals, whose ages range from 35 to 39.

“America,” beyond its utility as a functioning toilet, was designed to critique the extremes of affluence. Visitors were even offered the chance to reserve a slot to engage with the toilet in a practical manner before it was stolen.

The theft has left the toilet unaccounted for to this day.

Officials reported at the time that the theft caused considerable harm and flooding to Blenheim Palace, as the golden toilet was connected to the estate’s water supply. This incident threatened the integrity of this UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its historical significance and annual influx of countless tourists.

The Guggenheim Museum in New York, where the golden toilet was displayed prior to its tenure at Blenheim Palace, referred to it as a piece “cast in 18-carat gold,” encouraging individuals to use the facility in solitude, thus engaging with the artwork on a personal level.

Legal proceedings for the accused are set for November 28th at the Oxford Magistrates’ Court, as announced by the prosecution.

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More about golden toilet theft

• Blenheim Palace Theft
• Maurizio Cattelan’s Work
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Guggenheim’s Gold Toilet Exhibit