Loss Discovered by Christchurch Man

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 278, 24 November 1939, Page 9

Loss Discovered by Christchurch Man

STOLEN WATTE ATT PAINTING Tho theft from the Louvre of a painting by Watteau, “L'lndifferent,” some . months ago was actually discovered by I Mr. G. W. Plimsoll, who had just returned to Christchurch from a tenmonths' tour abroad, states the Press. Mr. Plimsoll was going through the famous art gallery during his stay in I Paris, and on entering a room he pointJ ed out to tho woman guide a space from I which a picture had apparently gone, i It was only a few moments before that ‘ ho had been asking her whether pictures ever were stolen. Tho woman said that it was probably out for cleaning, but on second thought spoke to the guarding attendant, who went off and told someoue else. 4 4 There was some rank carelessness somewhere,'' Mr. Plimsoll said, “ because the place was so heavily guarded.” The picture was eventually recovered, having been stolen by an artist, Mr. Plimsoll said. The price put on it was £20,000, and it measured about lOin. fcjv ljin. The risk of fire had decided the authorities against fixing the pictures to the walls.