Desmond Fountain Sculpture Stolen In UK

April 26, 2014

desmond fountain statue 14 kent A £42,000 [$70,500] bronze sculpture by Bermudian artist Desmond Fountain was recently stolen in the United Kingdom.

A statement from the Kent Police said, “An appeal has been made after a valuable bronze sculpture was stolen from the garden of a house in Preston near Sandwich.

“The bronze is by renowned sculptor Desmond Fountain and is of a little girl with a bucket over her head. It is 1.5m high and is signed by the sculptor on the base of the bucket.

“The bronze is worth an estimated £42,000 and was stolen between midnight on 13 April and 2.30pm on 15 April.

“Anyone with information or who can assist police with the investigation is asked to contact Kent Police on 01304 218182, giving reference ZY/12055/14.”

The BBC report that in 2008, Mr Fountain and his wife sat on a man they caught stealing from a gallery in Mayfair, central London.

“His wife Luli confronted the suspect on the first day of Mr Fountain’s exhibition at the Gallery in Cork Street. When the man refused to put the £5,000 bronze down, she tripped him and the couple both sat on the man until police arrived.”

One of Bermuda’s most successful artists, Desmond Fountain’s sculptures are on display worldwide. He has been commissioned to create sculptures in Bermuda, Europe, North America and even as far away as China. His works have been displayed at numerous galleries in the United States, Europe as well as locally.

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  1. Plane to sea says:

    Yes well….his work is quite good….you know….I take that as a compliment…Bermuda art stolen….it must be saught after to be abscomded with..

    • Steve Biko says:

      Can someone please steal de Johnny Barnes one and put one there of someone of Great Significance who helped to fight for the struggle of the people and shape the infrastructure of Bermuda.
      Every major city in the world that has a statue or monument at its entrance is of Great significance, and I think its Pathetic and Embarrassing to have a statue of Mr. Barnes as an Icon to our major city, I think what he is doing is Noble but I would ask any Non- Bermudian who is going to start blasting my comment to compare the monument of the major city where you’re from and see how much of a joke we look like!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • NON says:

        Believe me, NON-Bermudians know all about JB and why you are embarrassed. It isnt a secret and we understand your embarrassment.

        • Coffee says:

          That’s why every time I pass GREAT MOMMA SALLY BASSETT I take tremendous pleasure in acknowleging her everlasting presence . Good point Steve !!! Dropped it right on the seat of Power ! LoL Amazing …

      • Toilet Water says:

        @Steve, Johnny Barnes has been a symbol of Bermuda. Just because he was not a great warrior who killed hundreds in battle, or a politician, or civil right leader , does not mean he is not a person of great significance. He is probably the most loved and photographed person in Bermuda. Tourist go out of their way to get pictures of him and with him.

        If you are so narrow minded that you can not be proud of your fellow countryman because he is not a warrior, a navigator, a pirate, an explorer, and if you cant look at him or his statue and be proud that he reminds many of us to smile, to wave and to say hello – then it is to late for you.

        You will without a doubt be the weird, grumpy miserable uncle in your family.

        • Keepin' it Real!...4Real! says:

          i think it would have been more appropriate to erect jb’s statue once he was no longer,and erect it right where he stood…silly to me to have him there and his statue 100yds up ahead..?

        • Steve Biko says:

          That’s a good name for you “Toilet Water” cause ya full off s__t. I said its a Noble thing that he’s doing but to elevate him above those who gave their life for a better Bermuda so we can live comfortable is a JOKE. If you need someone to remind you every morning to smile, to wave and say hello then you’re in a terrible state even though that comes natural to us as Bermudians, but its more to us than that.
          But knowing Bermuda’s History we love to promote an emasculated figure to keep us passive while downplaying those of Great Significance.

          • Toilet Water says:

            Yawn..if you don’t get it …you don’t get it. You can’t fix stupid.

          • Toilet Water says:

            Did you pay for the statue? No! Did the government pay for the statue? No!!It was a gift. This island is full of ignorant individuals like you who do nothing but complain. If you want to see another statue erected, put up the money or start fundraising so you can have one made to YOUR satisfaction!

          • Mike Hind says:

            Emasculated?

            How is Johnny Barnes emasculated?

            You’ve got a twisted definition of masculine, sir.

          • Toodle-oo says:

            Steve , you forget that you already have your statue . It’s on the grounds of the Cabinet Building.
            But I have a feeling that you’d like copies on every street and corner just to keep all the rest reminded.

      • Truth is killin' me... says:

        Steve Biko… Johnny Barnes has more love in his pinky than you have in your whole body. Get a life boy!

      • somuchless says:

        Steve, I am insulted by your remarks. Smh

      • Hurricane says:

        @ Steve Biko, I’m with yo 100% on this one. Get rid of it, even if giving it to one of his admirers to ou on their property.

  2. Not really says:

    Value as a statue £42,000. Value as scrap metal £2,000??

  3. Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

    The value of art is only what someone is willing to pay for it. It may have sold for £42,000 but scrap metal – bronze – is quite valuable in the UK. There is a long list of valuable statutes being stolen throughout the UK and melted down for their value as scrap metal. I do not condone it, just making Bermudians aware that statutes valued at hundred of thousands of pounds have been stolen in very recent times in the UK.

    Regarding the statue of Mr Barnes, it is the average, ordinary people in this world who are undervalued, unrecognised and unappreciated who deserve to be honoured. Example, the soldiers who make the ultimate sacrifice, Bermudians who collectively demonstrate sincerity, warmth and friendliness from the heart. No one person, no matter how important we spin history, demonstrates the humility, warmth and charm of a nation like Mr Barnes. He brands the culture of a country, not a moment in time.

    London, England

    • huh? says:

      Wonder how much statutes are worth when melted down – probably not as much as a statue.

      Warwick, Bermuda

      • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

        A bronze statue was stolen from a park in London, the value of the statue £500,000. How much it would fetch as melted scrap metal – £750. Statues have been stolen from war monuments and graves in the UK.

        huh? I think that these individuals know that they cannot get the market price of the statute, but as scrap metal they are unlikely be caught as the evidence no longer exists.

        It may not made sense to you, but then you are not in their shoes and probably have not known their levels of desperation…that said does not excuse the act, but just shed some light upon it.

        London, England

        • huh? says:

          Suggest u reread both posts and comprehend what is actually being said.

          Warwick, Bermuda

  4. Paul Revere says:

    and I sat here saying to self..
    self can it be true
    I didn’t think anyone in the mother country did any wrong, judging by the actions and comments of those that dwell on our shores.
    I take it the age old saying might be true, The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

  5. longtail says:

    The Johnny Barnes sculpture was a gift to Bermuda from an exempt company. It is only a fool that complains about the gift he receives.