Church Sculpture Stolen During World War II Returned After 70 Years
A church sculpture, stolen more than 70 years ago during the Nazi Blitz on Britain, has finally been returned to its rightful owner.
The sculpture is a bust of Dr. Peter Turner, a renowned botanist and physician, and dates from 1614. However, on April 17th, 1941 the sculpture was stolen from London’s St. Olave Hart Street Church during the Nazi’s 8-month bombing campaign of Britain during World War II.
The bust was discovered by an art curator from the Museum of London who noticed it listed at an upcoming auction.
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Following an investigation the bust was removed from the auction sale and returned to St. Olave’s towards the end of June.
Rector at St. Olave’s, Reverend Oliver Ross told BBC reporters that the homecoming of the bust was “a cause for great celebration.”
The Art Loss Registrar (ALR), an organization specializing in tracking down stolen pieces of art and resolving art-related disputes, has said it believes the previous buyers of the bust were completely unaware that it was a stolen artifact.
ALR executive director and general counsel, Christopher Marinello told the BBC: “I did a lot of arm twisting over the last year and have to give credit to the two dealers who were able to put aside their legal positions and ultimately consider the moral implications of this loss.”
He added that the goodwill of the parties involved and the final result had “reinforced my faith in the trade.”
A formal return ceremony will take place some time next year after the Diocese of London determines how the bust will be most suitably re-installed.
“We are deeply grateful to the ALR for their diligent and generous efforts on our behalf,” Reverend Ross added about the return of the bust.
