GRAHAM HILL BUST RETURNED TO THE CLUB
The bronze bust of Graham Hill, which was stolen from the BRDC Clubhouse in 1999, was returned to the British Racing Drivers' Club on Thursday 24th January. Detective Chief Inspector Tricia Kirk, of Northamptonshite Police, presented the recently recovered sculpture to Damon Hill OBE, BRDC president and son of Graham Hill.
The life-size bust of the double F1 World Champion, valued at £10,000, was formally identified by the original sculptor, Amy Goodman, following its recovery. The artist joined Damon Hill and Detective Inspector Tricia Kirk for an official presentation and photocall which took place in the BRDC Clubhouse, overlooking the Grand Prix Circuit at Silverstone.
Members of the BRDC have agreed to lend the replacement Graham Hill bust, commissioned following the disappearance of the original, to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.
Speaking on behalf of the BRDC Damon Hill said, "It is very special to have the bust back in the BRDC Clubhouse. As a racing driver and champion he [Graham Hill] was a very special and inspirational person, so it is great that the police have been able to track the bust down and bring it back to its rightful place after all this time. They have done a fantastic job."
Detective Chief Inspector Tricia Kirk of Northamptonshire Police said, "We recovered the bronze bust in December following a joint investigation with Greater Manchester Police. We are happy to now be able to put it back where it belongs at the heart of the county and back with the British Racing Drivers' Club."
A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burlary and handling stolen goods and is currently on police bail.
* The Sculptor of the Graham Hill bust is Amy Goodman. For further information on this piece, and her work, please contact: www.amygoodman.co.uk
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