The Maashorst municipality in the Netherlands has admitted to the probable accidental disposal of 46 artworks, including a Warhol print of former Queen Beatrix, during renovations. An investigation revealed insufficient storage guidelines and mishandling led to the artworks being thrown away, with a collective value estimated at €22,000.
Dutch Town Hall Loses Warhol Prints Amid Renovation Chaos
Dutch Town Hall Loses Warhol Prints Amid Renovation Chaos
A series of 46 artworks, including a valuable Andy Warhol print of Queen Beatrix, appears to have been accidentally discarded during town hall renovations in the Netherlands.
A Dutch town hall in the Maashorst municipality is facing backlash after admitting that it likely tossed away 46 artworks, most notably an Andy Warhol print of former Queen Beatrix, valued at around €15,000 (£12,800). The artworks were stored improperly during renovations last year and later disappeared under suspicious circumstances.
Mayor Hans van der Pas expressed regret over the loss, stating, "That's not how you treat valuables. But it happened." The town hall's investigation revealed that the artworks had been stored in a basement and that a lack of established guidelines and care might have led to their accidental disposal with garbage.
According to a report, some pieces had been stored in wheelie bins and mishandled, ultimately resulting in their disappearance. The municipality acknowledged that ownership had not been properly documented and that no protocols were in place regarding the renovation process, significantly contributing to this blunder.
Local media have reported that the total estimated value of all 46 missing artworks stands at approximately €22,000 (£18,800). Sadly, authorities believe these items are unlikely to be recovered.
The Warhol print was part of the famous artist's "Reigning Queens" series, released in 1985, featuring portraits of four monarchs, including Queen Beatrix, who reigned from 1980 until her abdication in 2013. The series also includes portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, Margrethe II of Denmark, and Queen Ntombi Twala of Eswatini.
Interestingly, just last year, Warhol prints of both Queen Beatrix and Ntombi Twala fell victim to an art gallery heist in the Netherlands. Thieves stole multiple silkscreen prints but abandoned them as they could not fit into their getaway vehicle.
