The artist behind the solid gold toilet which was stolen from Winston Churchill's former home has asked the thieves to let him know "how it feels to pee on gold".

The 18-carat toilet, worth around £4.8m, is an art piece called America and was kept at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Police have confirmed the toilet has been stolen and are investigating.

The loo remains missing but a 66-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft.

Image: A giant walkway of flags created by artist Maurizio Cattelan is part of the exhibition at Blenheim Palace

Watch the toilet flush

In a statement, Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan praised the thieves as "great performers" and appeared to make light of the situation.


He said: "When this morning I was informed about the robbery I thought it was a prank and it took me a while, after a few checks, to come to the conclusion that it was true and it wasn't a surreal movie where instead of the jewels of the crown, the thieves went away with a b***** toilet.

"I always liked heist movies and finally I'm in one of them."

The artist joked: "Dear thieves, please, if you are reading this, let me know how much you like the piece and how it feels to pee on gold."

Detective Inspector Jess Milne said: "The piece of art that has been stolen is a high value toilet made out of gold that was on display at the palace.

"Due to the toilet being plumbed in to the building, this has caused significant damage and flooding.

"The artwork has not been recovered at this time but we are conducting a thorough investigation to find it and bring those responsible to justice."

Thames Valley Police believe "at least two vehicles" were used.

A police presence has been increased in the area and investigators are appealing for information from witnesses.

Police received reports of the burglary at 4.57am, seven minutes after the thief or thieves fled the scene.

No injuries have been reported and Blenheim Palace has said it is co-operating with a police investigation.

Image: A fully functioning solid gold toilet, pictured here during a previous installation, is thought to have been targeted by thieves

The loo was installed in Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of the former prime minister and war time leader, as part of Mr Cattelan's first solo exhibition in 20 years.

The Palace's Twitter account apologised for "any inconvenience" caused to visitors, saying "due to an unforeseen incident at the Palace" it would remain closed for the rest of the day.

Dominic Hare, chief executive of Blenheim Palace, said: "We are saddened by this extraordinary event, but also relieved no one was hurt.

"We are very grateful to our staff and to Thames Valley Police for their rapid and brave reactions.



"We knew there was huge interest in the Maurizio Cattelan contemporary art exhibition, with many set to come and enjoy the installations.

"It's therefore a great shame an item so precious has been taken, but we still have so many fascinating treasures in the palace and the remaining items of the exhibition to share.

"The investigation continues, but it will be business as usual from tomorrow [Sunday], so visitors can continue to come and experience all we have to offer."

Image: A taxidermy horse suspended from the historic ceiling as part of Mr Cattelan's exhibition

The toilet by Mr Cattelan, described by some as an "art prankster", was fully installed and available for visitors to use - provided they stuck to a three-minute window.

Edward Spencer-Churchill, the founder of the Blenheim Art Foundation, told The Times ahead of its installation: "Despite being born with a silver spoon in my mouth I have never had a s**t on a golden toilet, so I look forward to it."

Asked about security concerns, he commented: "It's not going to be the easiest thing to nick.

"Firstly, it's plumbed in and secondly, a potential thief will have no idea who last used the toilet or what they ate."

The golden toilet was previously on display at New York's Guggenheim museum in 2016. Visitors could use it while a member of security staff stood guard outside.

It was offered to US President Donald Trump - who upon moving into the White House installed golden curtains - by the museum.