Gold toilet offered to Donald Trump stolen from Blenheim Palace

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WOODSTOCK, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: "America", a fully-working solid gold toilet, created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, is seen at Blenheim Palace on September 12, 2019 in Woodstock, England.  The Italian artist is known as the prankster of the art world.  His most notable piece being "America" a solid gold usable toilet which had art lovers queuing to use when it was shown at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
The fully-working solid gold toilet, created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, which has reportedly been stolen from Blenheim Palace. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

An 18-karat-gold toilet worth £1m and once offered to US President Donald Trump has been stolen.

Thames Valley Police has confirmed there was a burglary at Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire, and said on Saturday afternoon that the toilet - part of an exhibition by Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan was taken.

Detective Inspector Jess Milne said: "The piece of art that has been stolen is a high value toilet made out of gold that was on display at the palace.

"The artwork has not been recovered at this time, but we are conducting a thorough investigation to find it and bring those responsible to justice."

WOODSTOCK, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: "Daddy, Daddy", a large scale recreation of the drowning Disney character Pinocchio, created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, is seen in a pool at Blenheim Palace on September 12, 2019 in Woodstock, England.  The Italian artist is known as the prankster of the art world.  His most notable piece being "America" a solid gold usable toilet which had art lovers queuing to use when it was shown at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Blenheim Palace (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

The exhibition opened on Thursday.

Visitors had to book a time slot for the fully functioning loo in advance and told to respect the three minute rule, imposed to reduce queuing times.

A 66-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

The Palace has suffered significant damage and flooding following the burglary, because the loo, designed by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, had been plumbed in and was available for visitors to use.

Last month, ahead of the toilet's installation, the Duke of Marlborough's half-brother, Edward Spencer-Churchill, said the lavatory wouldn't be "the easiest thing to nick".

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Mr Spencer-Churchill told the Times: ""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."

Blenheim Palace was closed on Saturday following the burglary.

EventSite Design, who work at the site, said on Twitter: "We've had some drama overnight which I won't elaborate on just yet but it has meant we need to redirect our contractor traffic for the day."

Cattelan's exhibition is scheduled to run at World Heritage Site Blenheim Palace from September 12 until October 27, with tickets costing £27.

Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan poses Tuesday Jan. 29, 2008 during a press event at the Kunsthaus in Bregenz, Austria, where a exposition of his works will be on display from February 1, to March 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Keystone/Regina Kuehne)
Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan who designed the golden toilet. (AP Photo/Keystone/Regina Kuehne)

Blenheim Palace chief executive Dominic Hare urged anyone with any information to contact police.

He said: "We are saddened by this extraordinary event, but also relieved no-one was hurt.

"We are very grateful to our staff and to Thames Valley Police for their rapid and brave reactions.

"We knew there was huge interest in the Maurizio Cattelan contemporary art exhibition, with many set to come and enjoy the installations.

"It's therefore a great shame an item so precious has been taken, but we still have so many fascinating treasures in the palace and the remaining items of the exhibition to share.

"The investigation continues, but it will be business as usual from tomorrow, so visitors can continue to come and experience all we have to offer.

"If anyone knows or saw anything suspicious in connection with the event that may help us secure its return please contact Thames Valley Police."

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