Tourist shatters priceless Van Gogh chair by sitting on it
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
This is the moment a tourist sat on a 'Van Gogh' chair at an art gallery – before the antique collapsed under his weight.
The crystal-covered furniture, named after the legendary Dutch artist, was housed at Palazzo Maffei, an art museum in Verona.
Footage captured a woman and a man posing for pictures around the chair after waiting for the art gallery security to leave.
The woman pretends to sit down before the man actually places his weight on the seat, which promptly cracks.
The pair dash out of the room, leaving the damaged chair bent over on the floor.
The piece was designed by Italian artist Nicola Bolla and was studded with Swarovski crystals.
Palazzo Maffei shared the CCTV footage on Facebook, describing the described the act as an 'irresponsible gesture'.
The museum said that, despite uncertainty over whether the fragile chair could be restored, the museum managed to repair it.
It said: 'Every museum's nightmare has become reality, even in Palazzo Maffei. Waiting for the surveillance officers to come out, some visitors took an 'in effect' photo.
'The result? An irresponsible gesture caused serious damage to Nicola Bolla's 'Van Gogh' chair, a very delicate work, covered entirely with hundreds of Swarovski crystals.' More Trending
It added: 'For days, we did not know if it would be possible to restore it. But we did it.
'A heartfelt thank you goes to the police, our security department and the restorers whose valuable work enabled the recovery of the piece.
'And a special thank you to all those who walk through the museum halls every day, with care, attention and wonder.
'Because art is not just for seeing. It is to be loved. It is to be protected.'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: Adult throws tantrum at airport gate after being told her hand luggage was too heavy
MORE: The underrated Swiss lake town that's like Como without the crowds
MORE: Europe's 'nowhere place' is a quiet Italian gem with flights from £17
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
43 minutes ago
- Metro
Two skydivers die after tandem jump with investigation launched into fall
Two people have died after a skydive went wrong. The incident happened at Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton in Devon on Friday afternoon. The two people were attempting a 'tandem jump' when they lost their lives. They haven't been publicly identified. The British Skydiving Board of Inquiry is investigating the death. Robert Gibson, chief executive of British Skydiving, said: 'British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives. More Trending 'Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community. 'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident. 'Once complete, a report – setting out the Board's conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA, the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC) and any other relevant authorities. 'No further details will be provided at this time. We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected at this difficult time.' Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Thieves and tourists can't stop stealing Daddyhole Road street sign from seaside town MORE: The UK's mystical rainforest that's 'like a movie set' but 'haunted by a ghost dog' MORE: Fred and Rose West still haunt nation 30 years after House of Horrors was exposed
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Hundreds line streets to pay tribute to 'hero' firefighter killed in Bicester
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Firefighters and well-wishers lined the streets to honour the life of Jennie Logan, who died in the line of duty during a major blaze last month. The 30-year-old was given a full ceremonial fire service funeral, with mourners paying tribute to her bravery, fearlessness and dedication to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Ms Logan's coffin, draped in the Union flag, was carried atop an aerial ladder platform fire engine through the streets of Bicester in Oxfordshire on Saturday morning. Hundreds of people gathered along the route in respectful silence while uniformed firefighters marched behind the coffin. Ms Logan was killed in a fire at the Bicester Motion site on May 15, alongside fellow firefighter Martyn Sadler, 38, and local businessman Dave Chester, 57. The cortege paused outside Bicester fire station just after 10 am, where firefighters stood to attention for a minute's silence. Ten fire crews were called to tackle the blaze, and thick black smoke could be seen rising into the sky. Two other firefighters sustained serious injuries in the blaze. Thames Valley Police said post-mortem examinations suggested the three victims sustained injuries caused by the collapse of the structure, but an investigation by the force's major crime unit is ongoing, alongside inquiries by the Health and Safety Executive and fire investigators. Ms Logan was the second female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime, following Fleur Lombard, 21, who died in Bristol in 1996. Tributes poured in after the tragedy, with Ms Logan's family describing her as their 'hero'. 'Her bravery and fearlessness shone through right until the end,' they said. 'She will always be our hero, and we are so immensely proud of her. Forever in our hearts.' More Trending Books of condolence were opened across Bicester in the days following the fire, and two gold plaques were placed at the scene of the blaze, signed: 'Love from the Bicester community.' Mr Sadler's family said firefighting 'was always in his blood', adding: 'Our world has fallen apart and our hearts are completely broken, but somewhere in amongst it all we are immensely proud of him and his unwavering bravery.' Mr Chester, a father of two, was described by his family as 'Bicester born and bred with a quirky sense of humour'. 'He was not a victim but a hero. He died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself,' they said. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Two houses destroyed and man injured in Derby gas explosion MORE: Girl, nine, and father killed in West Yorkshire house fire while sister, 11, fights for life MORE: Mum wants to change the law after ex killed her dog in house fire
Metro
4 hours ago
- Metro
50 Cent launches scathing attack on Bianca Censori after Kanye's Diddy trial app
50 Cent has taken aim at Bianca Censori, Kanye West's wife, following West's unexpected appearance at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial on Friday. West, 48, caused a stir when he showed up outside the New York courthouse dressed in an all-white denim outfit, complete with his signature dark sunglasses. In a video from TMZ, the dad-of-four could be seen leaving a car outside the venue. But his presence inside was short-lived because, according to CNN, the rapper wasn't on the official attendee list and was redirected to an overflow courtroom. After watching proceedings via closed-circuit video for less than an hour, he exited the building and was seen driving off soon after. The Golddigger rapper's appearance was widely interpreted as a show of support for Combs, 55, who faces serious federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty. 50 Cent wasted no time making his feelings on the incident known. Hours after Kanye's appearance, the In Da Club rapper posted an AI-generated image of himself wearing a white ensemble similar to West's court look. In a savage Instagram caption, he dragged both West and Censori, referencing her headline-making see-through outfit from the Grammy Awards earlier this year. 'We are wearing white in honor of the freak offs,' he wrote. 'Damn Ye, you should have brought your dirty little wife with that Grammys outfit! @50centaction.' The 'freak offs' comment appears to be a direct jab at the explosive sexual assault allegations swirling around Combs. In recent weeks, disturbing testimonies have emerged – including from ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura -detailing wild sex parties allegedly hosted by the Bad Boy Records founder. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Combs' ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, has been the star witness of the trial and testified that he beat her and forced her to have sex marathons with male escorts that lasted for days. 50 Cent also recently hit back at rumours tying his ex, Daphne Joy – mother to his 12-year-old son Sire – to Combs' alleged parties. On a recent Talk With Flee podcast episode, Cam'ron questioned Hayes about Joy's possible involvement, but Hayes flatly denied ever having any sexual contact with her. Still, 50 wasn't satisfied. 'Well here come the bullsh**, don't kiss my boy Pee Pee Mouth,' he posted, captioning a clip of the exchange. The G-Unit mogul has also vowed to personally lobby Donald Trump to ensure the president doesn't consider granting Diddy a pardon if he's convicted. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Britney Spears deletes her Instagram after most bizarre rant yet MORE: What is going on between Miley Cyrus' brother and Brenda Song after his shocking claims? MORE: Kanye West leaves Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial after 40 minutes
