Thieves broke into the gardens of the Grade I-listed estate near Bradford-on-Avon, making off with a She-Wolf with Romulus and Remus (which had been at the property for more than 120 years), a pair of fawns (copies of the Villa Dei Papyri fawns) and a bust of Antinous.
Wiltshire Police are actively investigating and have appealed to the public, antique dealers and art market professionals for any information that could lead to their recovery. The theft has devastated the Cartwright-Hignett family, who have owned and cared for the estate for generations and fear the statues may be melted down for scrap.
A pair of symmetrical fawns. Copies of the Villa Dei Papyri fawns. (image credit William Cartwright-Hignett )
Bust of Antinous. (image credit William Cartwright-Hignett)
She-Wolf with Romulus and Remus. (image credit William Cartwright-Hignett)
As the UK’s professional body for auctioneers and valuers, Propertymark has consistently called for tighter regulation of the art and antiques market as part of wider reforms to combat economic crime in the property sector.
We urge all members – particularly those involved in fine art, chattels and statuary – to review recent consignments and sales listings for any sign of these distinctive items, ensure provenance checks are robust, and contact Wiltshire Police on 101 quoting reference 54240070210 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers if you encounter any suspicious or undocumented items matching the descriptions.
Reducing economic crime in the property sector
Purchasing property in the UK is a common method that can be used by serious organised criminals to launder the proceeds of criminal activity. This position paper includes recommendations that the UK Government should include in future legislation as well as other plans and reforms to reduce economic crime.
