Guelph police renew appeal to find missing 8-foot bronze sculpture

Police have put out a new call for information as they continue to investigate what they’re calling “a very unusual theft” from University of Guelph campus.

“Feather,” a 2.4-metre (8-foot) bronze statue, disappeared from the Art Gallery of Guelph’s Donald Forster Sculpture Park off Gordon Street last week.

It’s valued in the tens of thousands of dollars, according to the gallery.

The bronze sculpture of a crow's feather stands 2.4 meters (8 feet) high. (ArtistJohnGreer.com)

The theft was reported to police Wednesday morning after a gallery employee noticed the artwork was missing.

Police spokesperson Scott Tracey said investigators are hoping because it's such an unusual item, someone will recognize the sculpture and give them a call.

"If you see a nine-foot tall bronze feather somewhere in Guelph, it’s the one we’re looking for," Tracey said.

The sculpture appears to have been torn or broken off its base. (Jeff Pickel/CTV Kitchener)

Because of the size and weight of the sculpture, police believe at least two people with a large vehicle were involved in the theft.

“If those who stole it are identified, the charge would be theft over $5,000, the value being well in excess of $5,000. So they could be facing theft or mischief charges,” Tracey said.

While the motives of those involved are unknown, some on campus believe they have an idea.

“Students, a frat probably,” one student guessed. “I bet it’s in someone’s backyard.”

Another student called the theft “really unfortunate.”

“I would hope that people don’t assume it’s one of the students, because I would hope that it wasn't one of our students.”

GALLERY SAYS FEATHER CAN BE RETURNED ANONYMOUSLY

Created in 1997 by Canadian sculptor John Greer, the Art Gallery of Guelph said “Feather” has been an important landmark in the sculpture garden and wider city for almost three decades.

“It's a feather that's kind of perched on its quill,” art gallery executive director Shauna McCabe said. “[Greer’s] work really deals with the intersection of like culture and natural history.”

The gallery is hopeful they’ll get it back.

“You can do that anonymously,” McCabe said. “You can also drop off the sculpture anytime. We just appreciate getting it back.”

Police are asking anyone with information about the theft to contact Const. John Hunt at 519-824-1212, ext. 7359 or [e-mail]. They can also leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at csgw.tips