We've included the above snippet about the stolen Charles Darwin notepads in previous newsletter issues but haven't delved into why it is significant. In this issue, we plan to dive into this topic and explore the intriguing connection between these stolen notepads and TheArtworkStory.com's billion-dollar art crime.
On November 24, 2020, known as Evolution Day, news broke that two Charles Darwin notepads were stolen from Cambridge University's library over 20 years ago. The notepads contained notes about Darwin's evolution theories ("On the Origin of Species") featuring diagrams he drew of the tree of life. They were reported to be worth several million dollars.
Having been on the hunt for a 'true, one billion-dollar art crime' involving high-value collectibles, Suzanne was intrigued by the recent discovery of the stolen Charles Darwin notepads, and puzzled as to why such an old theft had not been reported until now. Suzanne's interest in such stories has been growing ever since uncovering an art crime committed by billionaire brothers that involved her mother, and now she finds these type of complex tales all the more fascinating.
When she read the article about the stolen Charles Darwin notepads, she connected on two aspects. Read the article here.
THE FIRST CONNECTION
In the University's released statement, they said they hoped the thief would have returned the notepads on their death bed, referencing a similar theft and outcome of London's Lambeth Palace.
How does the University know the thief has died? One would think it is the person who arranged the photoshoot of the notepads. That person must have passed away recently. Maybe 12-18 months ago? So that by October 2020, when the University reports the theft to the police, they have given up hope that the suspected thief has made right in their will.
CONNECTION: Two of the people Suzanne suspects in the "true, one billion-dollar art crime" story mentioned above passed away over the past 12 months. Two billionaire brothers who died just 3 months apart. Suzanne has spent the past year hoping one of them had made right in their will. Plus, Frederick R. Koch owned a home in London, at Sutton Place. DEATHBED EXPECTATIONS
As each month goes by, Suzanne's expectation that either of these men did the right thing in their will has diminished. Suzanne understands what the University is referring to in their own similar situation. BUT WAIT A MINUTE...
... it can't be that they are referring to the same men in Suzane's expectations of deathbed confessions... or can it? The deathbed time frames do line up.
After conducting an online search, Suzanne found an interesting result that linked the brothers' names with that of Charles Darwin. This brother built a Hall of Human Origins exhibit at the Smithsonian along with a 35 million dollar dinosaur exhibit featuring a Charles Darwin statue.
This billionaire brother did an interview discussing his own beliefs in evolution and how much he admires Charles Darwin. (read it here) IS SUZANNE ONTO SOMETHING?
THE SECOND CONNECTION
The University states they were stolen from a photoshoot. It is possible that the billionaire brother who built the Origins of Human exhibit at the Smithsonian had arranged for the photoshoot of the Charles Darwin notepads for his new exhibit.
The University has spent the past 20 years doing the largest search in Cambridge University history to locate the missing notepads. Maybe the billionaire brother was telling the University their own staff lost the notepads! Based on the billionaire's wealth, the University would keep doing an internal search rather than continuing to blame a billionaire.
CONNECTION: Wouldn't it be crazy if this billionaire brother was responsible for the theft of the Charles Darwin manuscript. Only something a billionaire could get away with for so long. Connects to the billionaire getting away with the art crimes we have been reporting on. Everyone dismisses Suzanne's theory because no one is willing to openly suspect the billionaire. It is easier to dismiss Suzanne vs do the right thing.
EMAIL TO THE UNIVERSITY
On 11/24/2020, Suzanne sent Cambridge University an email stating, "I read an article about the missing Charles Darwin and you believing it was a possible theft. If the last name Koch - Frederick R. Koch or William Koch (brothers of Charles and David Koch) or John Olsen are names that would be helpful, then I have other information to help. Otherwise, I am sorry to have troubled you." and absolutely no expectations of any response.
Of course, Suzanne received the standard "Auto-Reply".
But then, on 12/9/2020 when Suzanne did receive an actual response, it was from someone at the University stating they were forwarding her tip to their police contact. You can't even begin to understand how excited she was. It stated, "Thank you again for your email which we intend to forward to our police contact. He or a colleague may be in touch to discuss further." Knowing they already know who the person is that took the notepads her tip must have been the right name.
Unfortunately, it ends there. No further communication.
Mystery as two precious Charles Darwin notebooks that were stolen from Cambridge University Library in 2001 are anonymously returned in pink plastic bag with typed note saying 'Happy Easter'
In 2022, it appears that the individual who took the notebook (their family) has returned the notepads. This confirms that the notebooks were indeed stolen. That the University did a 20 year search as the thief told them they didn't have it. When the thief had the notepads the whole time. Additionally, it suggests that a wealthy person was the thief, as their identity was not reported to the media (still protecting the billiionare criminal). We know that the University knows who the person was that arranged the photoshoot that the notebooks went missing from. Interestingly, the note accompanying the returned notebook stated "Happy Easter", which is ironic considering Charles Darwin would not have celebrated this holiday.
The University, Interpol, and the FBI are well aware of WHO returned the notebooks. How would you respond if you were in Suzanne's shoes and had gone through her journey? Would you keep speaking up? Or would you give up on this story?
The stolen art/collectibles for the Isabella Gardner Museum can be recovered if others come forward.
|