Bronze Hippo Statue Stolen from Chilstone Show Garden

Dateline: Tunbridge Wells Jan 2019 Chilstone, makers of handcrafted architectural stone and garden ornaments in Royal Tunbridge Wells was broken into late on Wed 9th Jan and a bronze hippo sculpture was stolen. #FindHarryTheHippo The bronze sculpture is one of many displayed in our show garden by local artists and those from around the world. The hippo weighs almost three quarters of a tonne and is around 2m long. It was taken from the Chilstone premises in Fordcombe Road, Langton Green, near Tunbridge Wells sometime between 5.30pm on Wednesday, and 7am Thursday morning after the thieves smashed through the gates. Nicknamed “Harry the Hippo The statue has been a feature in the garden for several years and staff nicknamed it Harry after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement to the world’s press standing between four Chilstone Kensington Planters, making the planters famous overnight. Help Kent Police PC Nick Lingham said: "The hippo is extremely heavy and in the past it has taken five people to lift it…It is a hugely distinctive object and it is unlikely the offenders will find it that easy to sell on as scrap or to a collector. Because of its sheer size we are hoping people may have seen it being transported and also we are asking members of the public to keep their eyes open and report anything suspicious." Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 10-0236. Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Thank you for your support General Manger, Steve Clark said “This theft has been reported by the BBC, CNN and the national newspapers. We are grateful for the support and we would love to see Harry the Hippo returned to us. We want to continue to provide a platform for artists to display their talents, it’s so sad that someone would steal from our show gardens.” Chilstone make a large range of planters, statues, garden ornaments (including fountains) and make bespoke orders for architectural and garden projects.

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