Religious icon stolen from Cambridge College Chapel

The artwork was taken from the Chapel of Magdalene College between the 24th and 25th September

3 weeks ago | UPDATED 1 day ago

A religious icon has been stolen from a Cambridge College Chapel.

A sacred artwork of the Virgin Mary and Jesus was taken from the Chapel of Magdalene College between the 24th and 25th September.

The painting, which is gilded with gold leaf, depicts the Virgin and Child with two archangels. It was created by Dom Anselm Shobrook, an Anglican monk and distinguished icon-writer.

Professor Eamon Duffy donated the icon to the chapel in 2009 in commemoration of his 30th anniversary as an elected fellow.

The gilded icon disappeared from the Chapel while it was open to the public (Image Credits: Youtube)

Reverend Sarah Atkins, the Dean of the Chapel, said that “the icon vanished from its place beside the altar” while the church was open to members of the public.

She commented that: “I was saddened to discover the icon vanished from its place beside the altar, and all that this means for those for whom it has been a beloved part of the chapel and a treasured aid to prayer.

“As a place of worship, the chapel is open to the public for prayer and reflection and we are glad to welcome those who pass by, as well as members of the college, to step inside to sit in its peace, or to services with our excellent choir.

“This comes with a risk, as so many places of worship know. But remaining open is not only a matter of principle but an act of trust in the kindness of strangers – perhaps that same kindness might yield the whereabouts of the icon in time.”

As it was a gift to the college, Reverend Atkins said she was unable to put a specific value to the gilded icon.

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PC Emily-Jayne, from Cambridgeshire Police, said: “The icon holds great value to those who are connected with it.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything suspicious.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen the item for sale or may know of its whereabouts.”

Magdalene College has released a statement on its website, expressing “hopes for the return of the icon, which holds great value to those connected with it.”