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UBC Museum Robbery - Gold Jewelry, Bill Reid Artwork Stolen
by ScienceDave | May 26, 2008 at 06:24 am | 2025 views | 10 comments | 12 recommendations
Over the past weekend, thieves made off several pieces of solid gold jewelry from the University of British Columbia (UBC) Museum of Anthropology. Twelve of the pieces were fashioned by the late Bill Reid, a Haida artist whose work and cultural heritage are unique to British Columbia.
Although the monetary value of the stolen items was not released, museum officials worry that the thieves may melt down the gold sculptures to disguise their value (source).
Reid's wife, Martine Reid, has urged the museum to offer a large reward for the safe return of the jewelry (source).
Waters called the theft "a terrible, terrible thing."
"We were totally shocked [Saturday] and we are kind of reeling because we are realizing what has actually happened when we thought it couldn't happen.".
May 26, 2008 at 06:24 am by ScienceDave, 2025 views, 10 comments
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (10)
at 08:11 on May 26th, 2008
ScienceDave, thanks for this post. What a terrible occurrence. I hope that the works are recovered -- and not, as some fear, melted down.
at 09:39 on May 26th, 2008
The UBC and Bill Reid's work was a highlight of my trip to Vancouver and I'm saddened to hear of this.
- reply
Mike Hewittat 10:19 on May 26th, 2008
It's a tragedy that art meant to be viewed and enjoyed by many would be so brazenly stolen. Hopefully they will all be safely recovered.
Mike Hewitt has contributed a photo to this story.
at 15:36 on May 26th, 2008
Terrible news. I also very much enjoyed the Museum when visiting Vancouver. Let's hope they are returned.
at 17:12 on May 26th, 2008
I visited the Museum of Anthropology at UBC serveral years ago. An amazing experience. I am saddened to hear of the theft.
Linda Ryan has contributed a photo to this story.
at 19:04 on May 26th, 2008
A great artist's work taken by those who aren't likely to honour the artist, his work, or his community. In short, antisocial thugs.
gdrd5e6c has contributed a photo to this story.
- reply
wade in da waterat 23:11 on May 26th, 2008
I work out at ubc campus, today 05/26/08, I heard some extremely disturbing news pertaining to the theft. I won't at this time make any statements until we are given the facts, but I will say this, campus security are notoriously lax, and whom ever is the head, should be fired!
My first thoughts were that the entire security crew should be fired.
I'm keeping my eyes and ears open, and will post when I hear more.
wade in da water has contributed a photo to this story.
at 10:20 on May 27th, 2008
That's terribly news. I'm a bit confused as to how a theft could occur. If I remember correctly,
all the jewelry was behind glass, far inside a museum so quiet you
could hear a pin drop. Unless someone was being really pro about it, there must have been a serious lapse in security.
at 11:34 on May 27th, 2008
the theft of Bill Reid's artwork from MOA is heartbreaking.
Barb Morris has contributed a photo to this story.
at 11:04 on May 28th, 2008
ScienceDave, I like this story. It's good stuff.
UBC has posted a $50,000.00 reward (far in excess of the melt down value) in hopes that these priceless works will be returns unharmed. As someone who strives to own an original Bill Reid some day this is a huge loss to all Canadians.