Two men have been sentenced for their roles in the daring 2019 theft of an 18-karat solid gold toilet titled America—an artwork created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan—stolen from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
The toilet, a satirical piece critiquing wealth and consumerism, was valued at £4.75 million (€5.5 million / $6.4 million). It had only been on display for a few days before a five-man gang smashed into the palace and wrenched the 98-kilogram (216-pound) functioning toilet from its plumbing fixtures. The stolen artwork, which was later melted down or broken apart, has never been recovered.
Prison Time for Golden Heist
At Oxford Crown Court on Friday, 40-year-old James Sheen was sentenced to four years in prison—on top of his current 19-year and 4-month sentence for unrelated crimes involving ATM raids, burglary, and fraud. He is believed to have used a sledgehammer to detach the toilet during the heist.
Michael Jones, 39, was handed a 27-month sentence for conducting reconnaissance at Blenheim Palace before the burglary. Though the court ruled he wasn’t directly involved in the break-in, his prior visit and surveillance were considered part of the crime. Jones reportedly tested the golden lavatory himself, calling the experience “splendid.”
Other members of the gang have already been sentenced, though the court emphasized the severe damage to both the palace and its reputation from the incident.
Toilet Offered to Trump, Rejected for a Van Gogh
America was previously exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, where it was used by the public. In a bold gesture, the museum once offered to loan the piece to then-President Donald Trump, who had requested a Van Gogh painting instead. The White House declined the golden toilet.
Maurizio Cattelan is known for his provocative works, including the viral banana duct-taped to a wall, which sold for $6.2 million at auction in 2024.
Historic Loss at Blenheim Palace
The theft occurred at the 18th-century Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by thousands each year for its rich history and priceless collections. The damage from the heist temporarily closed part of the estate to the public, as plumbing and flooring had been torn apart during the theft.
Despite convictions, America remains missing—likely melted down and sold for its raw gold value. Police say the investigation is closed, but the artwork’s disappearance continues to frustrate the global art community.
