Stolen art work

AN appeal for witnesses has gone out following the theft of a painting depicting a famous view of one North Yorkshire town.

Harrogate Borough Council has confirmed that a 19th century painting was stolen from Knaresborough House. The artist is unknown but this painting in oils shows the famous view from Knaresborough Castle across the river. Its value therefore is intrinsic to the people of Knaresborough.

The painting transferred to Harrogate Borough Council from the former Knaresborough Urban District Council on local government re-organisation in 1974. Knaresborough House has remained its permanent home and it is believed to have hung on the staircase there for the past 60 years.

Staff are helping police with their enquiries and were able to provide them with a very recent photograph that had been taken for a feature in a forthcoming national art publication.

The painting is believed to have been stolen between 3.00pm and 4.00pm on Monday, 6 August. It measures 85cm by123cm. Caretakers believe that the thief used the side door which is the disabled access to the building.

Police and the council are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

If anyone is offered this painting, they should look for the council's identification number of HARAG 1080.