A big cat worth more than £100,000 was stolen from the Masterpiece Art Fair at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The antique sculpture of a black panther that was created by François Pompon in 1925 vanished on the last day of the international art fair, Wednesday July 1.
An assistant noticed the bronze big cat had disappeared from its display plinth at around 1.30pm and notified security.
Detectives from Kensington and Chelsea police have released a CCTV image of a man caught on camera taking the sculpture and hiding it under his jacket before leaving the building.
Detective Constable Pete O’Brien, from Kensington and Chelsea CID, said: “We know he left in a taxi which dropped him at Appold Street at the junction with Primrose Street near Liverpool Street station.
“If you recognise the man or know of his whereabouts please contact police.”
The sculpture is bronze and measures 14cm high by 37cm long and was displayed in the 6th edition of the Masterpiece Art Fair which drew more than 150 curators from all over the world and more than 40,000 art fans.
Please contact Detective Constable Pete O’Brien at Kensington and Chelsea CID on 020 8246 0237 or on 101. To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Pictures and image courtesy of Metropolitan Police, with thanks
