'They ripped the best paintings out of their frames': The wealthy English heiress who stole art for the IRA
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Rose Dugdale, born into British aristocracy, rejected her privileged upbringing to join the IRA, becoming involved in radical left-wing politics and militant activities by the early 1970s.
- In April 1974, she played a central role in one of history's largest art heists, leading armed raiders to steal valuable paintings, including works by Vermeer and Goya, from Sir Alfred Beit's stately home in Ireland.
- Dugdale also participated in a failed helicopter bombing mission targeting a police station in Northern Ireland, which involved dropping explosives from the air but resulted in no casualties.
- Arrested and convicted for receiving stolen art and the helicopter hijacking, she served prison time, gave birth to her son while incarcerated, and later married her accomplice in prison.
- After her release, Dugdale remained involved with the IRA's arms development, and she died in 2024; her life and the art heist were depicted in the 2024 film Baltimore.
