Merlion
03-20-2006, 07:56 PM
It is high time security is improved over valuable statues left out in the open. But electronic tags and bar codes can be found and removed.
Electronic tags plan for valuable sculptures
HIGH-tech tracking devices may be fitted to several of Henry Moore’s most famous outdoor works in the south west of Scotland following the theft of two of the artist’s sculptures in recent months.
The privately owned Glenkiln estate in Dumfries houses four of Moore’s works, including the world-renowned 1952 piece King and Queen, as well as bronze sculptures by Jacob Epstein and Auguste Rodin.
The work King and Queen, designed to be stumbled across rather than visited on the 3000-acre estate, was, in 1985, attacked by vandals who sawed off the heads of the figures. Moore’s late friend Sir William Keswick considered removing the works completely after this episode.
Although the heads were finally recovered, the theft of Moore’s £3 million Reclining Figure in Hertfordshire last year, and subsequent theft of another outdoor sculpture in London shortly after, has prompted fears for the pieces at Glenkiln.
Land manager on the estate Thomas Florey said the current owner was considering using tracking devices and barcodes to protect the historically important works.
“There is very grave concern, particularly after the theft of one or two of the Henry Moore statues in England, and we have reviewed the whole security arrangement,” he said. “We take certain steps already and are in very close liaison with the local police who go out there to keep an eye on things when they can.
“We have definitely increased our security but there’s only a certain amount you can do out on the hillside.”
Security of the Glenkiln statues will be one of the themes at a major conference to be held at the University of Glasgow Crichton Campus in Dumfries later this month. The Art In The Land symposium will explore the role of art in the landscape and look at developing a unified strategy to promote and protect the region’s rich artistic heritage.[snip]
Click here (http://www.sundayherald.com/54714) for more details.
Electronic tags plan for valuable sculptures
HIGH-tech tracking devices may be fitted to several of Henry Moore’s most famous outdoor works in the south west of Scotland following the theft of two of the artist’s sculptures in recent months.
The privately owned Glenkiln estate in Dumfries houses four of Moore’s works, including the world-renowned 1952 piece King and Queen, as well as bronze sculptures by Jacob Epstein and Auguste Rodin.
The work King and Queen, designed to be stumbled across rather than visited on the 3000-acre estate, was, in 1985, attacked by vandals who sawed off the heads of the figures. Moore’s late friend Sir William Keswick considered removing the works completely after this episode.
Although the heads were finally recovered, the theft of Moore’s £3 million Reclining Figure in Hertfordshire last year, and subsequent theft of another outdoor sculpture in London shortly after, has prompted fears for the pieces at Glenkiln.
Land manager on the estate Thomas Florey said the current owner was considering using tracking devices and barcodes to protect the historically important works.
“There is very grave concern, particularly after the theft of one or two of the Henry Moore statues in England, and we have reviewed the whole security arrangement,” he said. “We take certain steps already and are in very close liaison with the local police who go out there to keep an eye on things when they can.
“We have definitely increased our security but there’s only a certain amount you can do out on the hillside.”
Security of the Glenkiln statues will be one of the themes at a major conference to be held at the University of Glasgow Crichton Campus in Dumfries later this month. The Art In The Land symposium will explore the role of art in the landscape and look at developing a unified strategy to promote and protect the region’s rich artistic heritage.[snip]
Click here (http://www.sundayherald.com/54714) for more details.