Mocs News Reporting the news that matters most to UTC
By Anna Skiles
OXFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND—A $1 million 18K gold toilet was stolen from Blenheim Palace, otherwise known as the birthplace of Winston Churchill.
The fully-functional toilet—titled “America”—had only been on display since Thursday. Authorities received a call reporting the burglary around 5:00 A.M. Saturday. One man has been taken into custody, but the whereabouts of “America” are still unknown.
The Thames Valley Police believe at least two vehicles were used in the burglary, and reported significant damage and flooding as a result of the theft. Detective Inspector Jess Milne said, “Due to the toilet being plumbed in to the building, this has caused significant damage and flooding.” The Palace tweeted to patrons that it would be closed for the day, but would reopen on Sunday.
The toilet was created by Maurizio Cattelan, an Italian conceptual artist, as part of a larger art exhibit to be displayed at the palace. “America” was a satirical piece focused on excessive wealth, and Cattelan explained, “Whatever you eat, a $200 lunch or a $2 hot dog, the results are the same, toilet-wise.” While on display, visitors could sign up for three-minute appointments to…use the installment.
The Duke of Marlborough’s half-brother and founder of the Blenheim Art Foundation Edward Spencer-Churchill had originally been unconcerned with security for the toilet, stating “It’s not going to be the easiest thing to nick […] Firstly, it’s plumbed in and secondly, a potential thief will have no idea who last used the toilet or what they ate. So no, I don’t plan to be guarding it.”
The Thames police encourage anyone who may have information regarding the theft or location of the golden toilet to contact the police.
