Bronze 'La Promesse' Sculpture Stolen from Artist

A bronze sculpture named 'La Promesse,' valued at £60,000, was stolen from the garden of renowned artist Anne Curry in Arkesden, Essex, between December 5 and 6, 2024. The theft occurred while Curry was attending a funeral, and she believes the thief had previously visited her garden to identify the bronze sculpture among others made of resin. Despite the artwork's artistic value, the sculpture is likely stolen for its bronze material, which is valuable in the scrap market. Essex Police have been criticized for their delayed response, taking three weeks to visit the crime scene, and are currently pursuing multiple lines of inquiry. The police urge anyone with information about suspicious activities during the time of the theft to come forward. Curry is renowned for her sculptures, including a bronze bust of Sir John Major for the House of Commons.