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22
Jul
Sculptor left devastated after Harrogate bird statue stolen
A sculptor has been left devastated after his much-loved sculpture of a bird has been stolen from his studio in Harrogate.
Sculptor Steve Blaylock realised it was stolen on July 19 when customers started asking if he had sold the piece, depicting a robin, from his studio on the A59 Skipton Road.
Mr Blaylock said he realised that the theft had occurred on July 9 after reviewing CCTV, when between 1am and 1.30am the security camera was suddenly turned to face the wall.
He said:
It all dawned on me – the sculpture that was up there, which was one of the first birds I ever made, back in 2005, had gone. They stole my robin. Somebody came through a woodland, over a dry stone wall, through a load of shrubbery and stole my robin off the fence.
The artist has previously been asked about selling the piece by fans, but because of the emotional connection to it Mr Blaylock said it is not for sale. His theory is that someone decided they wanted it bad enough to just take it.
He doubts that the piece would be sold for scrap as it is not worth enough, and believes that if the sculpture was attempted to be sold it would be recognised as his stolen "one of a kind".
Mr Blaylock said:
In the weeks previous to the theft some people asked if I leave my sculptures out, and yes I do because there’s loads of them. So one of those arrogant, egotistical, selfish individuals has stolen my robin. It’s the only one of its kind in the world.
It’s signed, so if anyone sees this sculpture anywhere in England it’s stolen. Dob them in, tell the local police or tell me.
A reward is being offered, with whoever aids the safe return of the robin offered a full day workshop with Mr Blaylock to make a robin or other sculpture of their choice.
Even if the thief decides to return the piece, Mr Blaylock says he wouldn’t press charges — he just wants his artwork back where it belongs.
He said:
In the meantime I’m going to make a new robin and put it back in the same place. I’m not going to be bullied, I’m not going to put the sculptures away. I’ve ordered a new security camera that will take in the whole of the studio.
The sad thing for me is the person who has taken it, they can’t have a very nice life if you steal something just to prove a point.
The Stray Ferret approached North Yorkshire Police for comment on the incident. A spokesperson for the force said:
An investigation has been completed with no suspects identified.
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