Dutch Town Hall Misplaces Valuable Warhol Prints During Renovation

The Maashorst municipality in the Netherlands has admitted that during town hall renovations last year, 46 valuable artworks, including a Warhol print of Queen Beatrix worth €15,000, were likely disposed of accidentally. An investigation revealed inadequate storage procedures contributed to the loss, making recovery improbable.

In a surprising revelation, the Maashorst municipality in the Netherlands has acknowledged that it may have accidentally discarded 46 artworks, including a notable Andy Warhol print of Queen Beatrix, during town hall renovations last year. The missing pieces included a silkscreen print valued at approximately €15,000 (£12,800), a significant loss for the local cultural heritage.

The town hall stated that the artworks were stored in a basement while the building underwent renovations, an operation compounded by a lack of guidelines regarding proper storage practices. Mayor Hans van der Pas expressed regret over the incident, stating, "That's not how you treat valuables... But it happened." Such sentiments reflect a growing concern over the management of priceless civic assets.

An investigation into the unfortunate incident indicated that some artworks had been improperly stored, even ending up in wheelie bins, leading to their likely disposal with the rubbish. The findings highlight a notable lack of established ownership protocols and insufficient measures taken upon discovering that items had gone missing. Local reports estimate that the total worth of the lost artwork could be as high as €22,000 (£18,800), suggesting a significant financial oversight.

Queen Beatrix, on whom the Warhol print was based, reigned from 1980 until her abdication in 2013, transitioning to her son, King Willem-Alexander. The Warhol prints belong to the series "Reigning Queens," which featured vibrant portrayals of various monarchs, including the likes of Queen Elizabeth II. These prints are considered quintessential works from the renowned artist, who left a profound legacy in the art world.

Interestingly, the prints of Queen Beatrix and another monarch were actually stolen from a Dutch art gallery last year but were later abandoned by the thieves after they couldn't fit the artwork into their getaway vehicle. The current situation may lead to heightened scrutiny regarding the management and preservation of local cultural treasures and prevent similar incidents in the future.