Golden Toilet Called 'America' Stolen: Four Men Charged after £4.8M Loo Goes Missing from Blenheim Palace

In a heist that captured the world's attention, a fully-functioning golden toilet valued at an estimated £4.8 million, known as "America," was stolen from the historic Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire back in September 2019. Now, more than four years later, Thames Valley Police have charged four men in connection with the audacious theft.

The stolen 18-carat loo was an art piece created by Italian concept artist Maurizio Cattelan, and it had been installed at Blenheim Palace as part of Cattelan's first solo exhibition in 20 years. Prior to its time at Blenheim Palace, the toilet had been showcased at New York's Guggenheim Museum in 2016, where visitors could use it under the watchful eye of a security guard. The toilet even garnered attention from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was offered the unique fixture for the White House.

The Shocking Theft

The daring burglary took place in the early hours of September 14, 2019, when a gang broke into the palace, causing significant damage and flooding as they hurriedly removed the golden toilet from a wood-paneled room. At the time, the loo was valued at nearly £4.8 million, and insurers offered a reward of up to £100,000 for its recovery.

Since the theft, Thames Valley Police have been tirelessly investigating the case, leading to the recent charges against the four men. James Sheen, 39, from Wellingborough, faces charges of burglary, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, and transferring criminal property. Michael Jones, 38, of Oxford, has been charged with burglary, while Fred Doe, 35, of Ascot, and Bora Guccuk, 39, of West London, have been charged with conspiracy to transfer criminal property.

The four accused individuals are scheduled to appear at Oxford Magistrates' Court on November 28. The charges mark a significant development in the case that left both art and crime enthusiasts captivated by the audacity of the theft and the mysterious disappearance of a golden toilet with a unique place in art history.

The stolen golden toilet, with its provocative name "America" by Cattelan, was more than just a costly piece of art; it symbolized the blend of luxury and excess in contemporary society. Its theft shocked art enthusiasts and the general public alike.

For years, the fate of this golden toilet remained a mystery, but with these recent charges, the story of the stolen art piece takes another twist, one that will likely draw widespread attention as the legal proceedings unfold.

FAQs:

Why is Blenheim Palace so famous?
The Blenheim Palace is notable as the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. Following the palace's completion, it became the home of the Churchill (later Spencer-Churchill) family for the next 300 years, and various members of the family have wrought changes to the interiors, park and gardens.

Why is the gold toilet called ‘America’?
This golden toilet artwork by Italian concept artist Maurizio Cattelan is called America for its satirical commentary on art, money, greed and capitalism.