Police Scotland are investigating the suspected theft of a scrap-metal bird sculpture crafted by artist Helen Denerley from an exhibition at the Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, bbc.com reported.
The Bottom Line
- The missing metal bird sculpture vanished from an exhibition at Inverness’s Eden Court Theatre between October 9 and October 13.
- Valued at approximately £850, the artwork was destined for sale to benefit the Highland-based mental health charity Centred Scotland via the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival.
- Police Scotland inquiries remain ongoing as organizers appeal for the safe return of the piece to fulfill its fundraising mission.
The Missing Bird at Eden Court Theatre
The artwork disappeared at some point between October 9 and October 13 from the exhibition space inside the Inverness venue. Fashioned entirely from scrap metal by sculptor Helen Denerley, the bird carried an estimated value of about £850. Police Scotland confirmed that inquiries are active regarding the missing property.
Charity Stakes for Centred Scotland
The sculpture was scheduled for sale immediately following the exhibition to support the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. Proceeds were earmarked directly for Centred Scotland, a Highland-based charity providing drop-in services and free guided wellbeing walks for isolated individuals.
Alana Kotrys, the charity’s marketing and fundraising executive, noted that the organization had been very fortunate to secure a collaboration with Denerley, an artist widely recognized for her large metal giraffe sculptures on Leith Walk in Edinburgh. Kotrys emphasized that getting the piece back remains vital for fulfilling its original charitable purpose.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Location | Eden Court Theatre, Inverness |
| Disappearance Window | October 9 to October 13 |
| Estimated Value | £850 |
| Beneficiary | Centred Scotland |
Appeals and Ongoing Inquiries
Organizers continue to press for the recovery of the artwork so that it can be sold to support community mental health programs across the Highlands. Police Scotland urges anyone with relevant information concerning the theft to come forward as local inquiries persist.