Anne Curry discovers her £60,000 bronze sculpture stolen from her garden

In December 2023, Anne Curry, an 82-year-old artist known for her sculpted portraits of notable figures such as Sir John Major and Lord Heseltine, discovered the theft of one of her most cherished artworks. This incident occurred after she returned from a funeral service on December 6, finding her prized iris sculpture, which weighs approximately 350kg, missing from her garden in Arkesden, Saffron Walden, Essex. The brazen theft has left both the artist and the local community in shock, as such significant artworks are not only cultural assets but also hold personal value for their creators. The police response to the incident has also become a point of contention. Anne Curry expressed her distress over what she viewed as a delayed response by the Essex Police, stating that it took them three weeks to visit her home after the report was made. Though Essex Police countered that they attempted to visit her residence on four occasions, the lack of progress in the investigation has left Curry feeling neglected and frustrated. She publicly stated her disbelief at the situation, calling it "extraordinary" and expressing deep upset over the ordeal. As of the current date in January 2025, no arrests have been made in connection with the theft. The ongoing investigation raises questions about the security of public and private artworks, as well as the law enforcement’s ability to respond promptly to such crimes. These incidents not only affect the individual artist but also have a wider impact on the community, prompting concerns over the safeguarding of art and heritage. The emotional and financial implications of losing such a significant piece of art can be profound for artists like Anne Curry. The stolen sculpture was not just a representation of her artistic ability but also a personal attachment tied to her environment. The importance of community support and the role of police in protecting art and artists can be critical in circumstances like this. The case remains open, and local residents have been urged to provide any information that might assist the police in recovering the stolen piece and holding the responsible parties accountable.