Thieves escape with silver from Eastern Museum: Kedleston Hall
(DE22 - Wednesday, 5 May, 2010)

In the early hours of the morning of Sunday 2 May 2010 there was a break in at the National Trust's Kedleston Hall and a number of pieces of silver, including a wine cooler were stolen.

The intruder alarms were activated in the building immediately and the police attended the scene.

Unfortunately, the thieves were not caught.

The objects, which were located in the Eastern Museum are all of Indian silver.

They include:

• a silver bowl
• a silver frame containing a photograph of Lady Curzon
• two silver caskets
• a silver wine cooler

The objects were predominantly acquired by Lord Curzon whilst he was Viceroy of India (1889 - 1905), with the exception of the wine cooler which was made in 1916 by Francis Adams out of pieces of Indian silver.

Victoria Flanagan, Property Manager of Kedleston Hall said:

"For the National Trust, as a registered charity, losing these objects which are irreplaceable and of great importance to the collection is extremely sad.

"Most of the objects were acquired by Lord Curzon during his time as Viceroy of India in the early 20th century and are intrinsic to the history of Kedleston.

"We would urge anyone who has any information to get in contact with the police."

The National Trust takes the safety of its buildings and contents very seriously and is working with the police during their investigation.

The National Trust and Derbyshire police are appealing to anyone who has any information about the theft and the stolen objects to contact Derbyshire Constabulary on 0345 123 3333.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Kedleston Hall
Quarndon
Derby
Derbyshire
DE22