Art dealer accused of £1,111,484 theft

An art dealer faces trial for allegedly stealing more than £1 million.

German national Angela Gulbenkian, 37, appeared in court to deny the theft at Southwark Crown Court today.

She appeared in the dock with her hair tied back, dressed in a blue dress decorated with silver stars and black Christian Louboutin high heels.

Gulbenkian spoke to confirm her name, date of birth and nationality before entering not guilty pleas to two charges of theft totalling £1,111,484.

She is accused of stealing £1,061,484 belonging to Art Incorporated Limited between March 10 2017 and December 17 last year.

Gulbenkian is also charged with the theft of £50,000 from client Jacqui Ball between January 20 last year and January 21 this year, after she was tasked by Ms Ball with procuring a sculpture by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, entitled Yellow Pumpkin.

Judge Michael Grieve QC set a trial date of May 11 next year for the case, which is expected to last two weeks, and said a review hearing would take place on March 30.

The court heard both defence and prosecution witnesses are expected to travel from abroad.

Gulbenkian, who is from Munich, although a previous address was given in court as a flat in Battersea Power Station, south London, was released on unconditional bail.

The judge told her: ‘You will, at your trial, have the right to give evidence if you wish to do so. If you fail to attend your trial it may go ahead in your absence.’

Her trial is set to take place in May next year.