A half-million-dollar killer- whale statue by celebrated Haida artist Bill Reid that was stolen almost 17 years ago will be returned to public display, a National Capital Commission (NCC) spokesperson said Thursday.
The statue was recovered outside Ottawa after a local art dealer took the piece to Andrew Gibbs, appraiser at Heffel Fine Art Auction House, who became suspicious of its origin.
Gibbs contacted the Reid family, who confirmed that the statue was indeed Killer Whale (replica six of nine), stolen Oct. 30, 1995, from the edge of Ottawa’s Rideau Canal.
Police said the art dealer was unaware that the statue was stolen, and is not considered a suspect in the case.
“There’s nothing to prove (the man was) dishonest or anything, so the trail has gone cold,” said Sylvie Tilden, a senior manager at the NCC.
“But we’re thrilled because it’s back and it’s in mint shape.”
The 113-kilogram bronze statue, which stands one metre tall, was originally valued at around $ 50,000, but today could be worth more than 10 times that amount.
With files from Joe Lofaro
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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