[MSN] Crooks steal treasured family heirloom

[Museum Security Network Mailing list]

Crooks steal treasured family heirloom

A MUCH-loved family heirloom was stolen from a house in New Road, Lewes.
Burglars took five pictures from the home of retired University of 
Sussex reader Stephen Medcalf, 70, including a painting of his great 
great grandfather, John Richard Ellis.

The painting dates back to the 1830s and is of great sentimental value 
to Mr Medcalf, who had the artwork restored in the 1970s.

He said: 'It came into my family in the 1930s but my eldest brother put 
a dart through the mouth of the painting, so for quite a few years
it was languishing at the bottom of a cupboard until I had it restored 
in the 70s.'

Mr Medcalf believes the painting, which still has slight damage to the 
mouth, is worth only about £100 but on a personal level is worth 
considerably more.

He said Ellis had been an innkeeper at the Old Punch House Inn in Ware, 
Herts.

After visiting the pub Mr Medcalf found out Ellis's great great 
grandfather was a distinguished figure in Ware and in 1832 a banquet was 
held to celebrate the passing of the Reform Bill, when Ellis presided 
over one of the tables.

The painting was stolen from Mr Medcalf's house on the evening of March 17.

A number of other works of art were taken, including a watercolour by 
William Bennett and a print of Merton College, Oxford, by David Loggan.

If readers any information about these paintings contact the police on 
0845 6070999, or Mr Medcalf on 0780 7465458.
Last Updated: 20 April 2007

http://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/