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

by Lucas Garcia
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golden toilet theft

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about golden toilet theft

What was the ‘America’ artwork that was stolen from Blenheim Palace?

‘America’ was an 18-carat gold toilet created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, valued at 4.8 million pounds. It was a functional piece intended as satire on excessive wealth and was stolen from Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill’s birthplace, in September 2019.

How many individuals have been charged in relation to the theft of the golden toilet from Blenheim Palace?

Four men, aged between 35 and 39, have been charged with burglary and conspiracy to transfer criminal property in connection to the theft of the golden toilet from Blenheim Palace.

What consequences did the theft of the gold toilet have on Blenheim Palace?

The theft caused significant damage and flooding to Blenheim Palace, as the toilet was plumbed into the building’s water system. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site with valuable contents and is visited by thousands each year.

Has the golden toilet titled ‘America’ been recovered since its theft?

No, the golden toilet titled ‘America’ has not been recovered since its theft in September 2019.

When will the suspects charged with the theft of the golden toilet appear in court?

The suspects are scheduled to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on November 28.

More about golden toilet theft

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

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