BBC hunts for missing art

Broadcasting House retains many valuable works of art

The BBC has issued a "no questions asked" appeal to staff in an attempt to recover hundreds of valuable works of art missing from its offices across the UK.

The corporation is offering amnesty to anyone returning any of the pictures and sculptures - believed to be adorning the homes of current and former employees.

An original oil painting that hung above the fireplace of founder John Reith's Broadcasting House office in the 1930s and a collection of abstract stone sculptures carved for the millennium are among those on the missing list.

Art expert Emily Cruz has been hired to create a database of all the pieces supposed to be in the BBC's possession as it prepares for major building work in London and Scotland.

John Reith, the BBC's first director-general

She told staff: "No doubt many paintings and artefacts have found their way into people's homes for the good reason that there was nowhere else for them to go when offices were refurbished.

"Such works may be an important part of the BBC heritage and we would like to know where they are."

Jane Macfarlane, of BBC Property, added: "It is important that we know what we have so we can use it to brighten our corridors, public spaces and offices.

"We are keen to display pictures and sculpture appropriately in new and old buildings alike."