STOLEN OLD MASTERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23512, 28 May 1938, Page 32

STOLEN OLD MASTERS

CHARGE AGAINST DEALER TWO PICTURES RECOVERED (From Our Own Correspondent) (By Air Mail) LONDON, May 4. A sequel to the removal of five old masters from Chilham Castle a fortnight ago was the appearance at Ashford Police Court on Saturday of George Owen, aged 38, described as a dealer, of London, on charges of being concerned in the offence. The stolen pictures were •" Saskia at her Toilet," by Rembrandt; "William Pitt," and " Lady Clarges." by Gainsborough; "Henry. 12th Earl of Suffolk." by Reynolds: and " Thomas Wentworth. Earl of Stafford." by Van Dyck. It is claimed to be the biggest art theft since the Mona Lisa was stolen. A leading firm of London assessors had offered £BOOO for information concerning the theft.

Owen was charged " that he with other persons not in custody feloniously and burglariously did break and enter Chilham Castle, the residence of Sir Edmund Davis, and therein did steal five oil paintings, two Persian rugs, three cameras, one clock, and five Rhodesian co'ns, together to the value of £90,000." He was further charged with " feloniously receiving one oil painting of Lady Clarges by Gainsborough, of the value of £25,000, and one oil painting of William Pitt by the same artist, of the value of £2600. well knowing the same to have been feloniously stolen." Detective Superintendent J. A. Stuchfield, of Maidstone, said that the previous day he visited an address at Holborn Viaduct, and there he saw two oil paintings. Later he saw Owen at the same address. He said to him. " These two oil paintings you brought here this

morning were stolen from Chilham Castle. Where did you get them from?" Accused replied. "I am working for these people." meaning Tyler and Co.. the firm of assessors that had offered the reward. "The pictures were worked to me through intermediaries." He cautioned accused, and said. " You knew they were stolen." He made no reply. The witness said he took Owen to New Scotland Yard, and later to Ashford Police Station. He cautioned and i charged him. Accused replied, "I was | given permission to get the pictures i restored by Tylers' representative, ' after consulting Tylers' solicitors." From the dock accused asked if he could have an interview with the I owner of the pictures, who is at pres- ' ent away. It was stated he would be ! present at the next hearing, and the case was adjourned.