Royal Mail left stolen Laura Knight works ‘on doorstep’

A VALUABLE set of drawings by one of Britain’s most popular 20th-century artists was stolen after being left on a doorstep by Royal Mail.

Five pieces by Dame Laura Knight were taken from outside the house of a top art dealer in the Suffolk village of Waldringfield, after he failed to answer the door. Dealer Richard Morris has now offered a substantial reward for the return of the drawings of ballerinas and stage performers.

Royal Mail has launched an investigation into the theft of the drawings – which were taken between 9.37am and 3pm on Friday, Nov 26 – and apologised. It said its postman had left the drawings on the doorstep in contravention of its procedures and it was now processing a claim for compensation. A spokesman said: “Every single item of mail is important to us. We have apologised to the customer personally and reminded the postman about the importance of following correct procedures.”

Suffolk Police are also investigating the theft, which is understood to be one of a number of similar cases of parcels being taken from doorsteps in the area.

There are fears that the stolen pieces will be sold on to local dealers and eventually bought by a collector unaware of their provenance.

Work by Dame Laura, who died in 1970, can fetch as much as £100,000 for her oil paintings, with her drawings selling for between £500 and £1,200

Writing on Twitter, Mr Morris said: “Can I ask you to keep your eyes open and contact me urgently if you are offered or spot any of these drawings.”

He added: “Please keep your eyes peeled, especially on eBay. There is a substantial reward for their return.”

The village has also seen the theft of a model reindeer which resident Lesley York had ordered. It was taken from her doorstep after being delivered by a courier. Ms York said: “You don’t expect that sort of thing to happen in a little village – the worst we have had in recent years is the theft of heating oil.”