Work by 15 different artists, including bronzes by sculptor Vanessa Pooley, a ceramic warthog by Nick Mackman and 30 pieces of handmade gold jewellery, were taken during the early hours break-in at Gallerytop in Rowsley.

Colourful silk handbags, ceramic animals, prints and expensive bronze nudes were also stolen in the raid on September 26.

Alison Wren, manager of Gallerytop, said of the art: "It is very distinctive and going to stand out a mile at a car boot sale. They have enough stuff to set up a shop."

She added: "We think it must have been planned. The way they got in, they spent considerable time in the loft storage.

"From the quantity stolen it would take a considerable amount of time to get that out. There must have been two or three people."

Meanwhile, an original oil painting by Yorkshire artist Richard Snowden
was stolen at nearby pub The Devonshire Arms, in Beeley. The painting entitled Hamlet, was worth £500 and taken from the ladies' toilets, where it was being displayed, between 5.30pm on Tuesday September 23 and 11pm on Wednesday September 24.

Mr Snowden's assistant Claire Thomas said the colourful painting was about 40cm by 30cm and a cash reward was being offered for its safe return.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 0845 123 33 33.