A statue of Marilyn has been stolen in New Zealand, as Meghan Lawrence reports for Auckland Now. (Marilyn-related art thefts are not uncommon: an English statue was stolen in 2011, while a Canadian mural vanished in 2014, and was found in a dumpster two weeks later. Sadly, it was stolen again in 2015.)
“Farm Cove’s iconic mascot has gone walkabout.
A six-foot tall (1.82m) statue of Marilyn Monroe was taken from a Fisher Parade residence in East Auckland on the night of October 13.
Maria Ross says the statue is part of a collection of rock n’ roll and pop-culture memorabilia that decorates her home. Ross purchased the statue of Marilyn Monroe a year ago, after she had been looking to add the American actress to her collection for a number of years.
She has stood in the front garden ever since, for passersby to bask in her glory.
‘She was loved and admired by all. Some more than others,’ she says. ‘People who drive past will stop and take photos with her. It’s so cool because you get to know the neighbourhood. She is just famous in Farm Cove.’
Ross says she’s ‘really gutted’ that the statue was stolen, but there would be no questions asked if she was returned.
‘I do believe someone is going to see her. There is not a lot of them in New Zealand. I think there is only one other, so it will stand out like a sore thumb.’
‘It would just be so awesome if she was returned.'”
UPDATE: The statue has now been returned almost two months after its disappearance – albeit a little worse for wear, reports the Auckland Times.
“The statue of Marilyn Monroe, a former Hollywood screen siren and model, stands at more than 1.8m (6 feet) and weighs around 80kg.
‘It would have taken two or more people to get her into a truck or trailer,’ she said.
On Sunday night Ms Ross posted on social media: ‘OMG!!!!! Marilyn was dropped off tonight and as promised…No Questions Asked!!’
‘Reward Requested and I paid it.’
She said the statue was a little bit worse for wear, with eyelashes cut off and a ‘few cuts n bruises’.
‘She is split down one side. They have obviously dropped her,’ Ms Ross said.”