In a surprising turn of events, the Maashorst municipality in the Netherlands has acknowledged that it likely disposed of valuable artworks unintentionally during renovation work last year. Among the 46 artworks believed to be lost is an eye-catching Andy Warhol silkscreen print of former Dutch queen, Beatrix, estimated to be worth €15,000 (£12,800).
The local government confirmed that these artworks were placed in storage during renovations to a town hall in Uden, which is set to merge with the neighboring Landerd municipality. In a statement issued on Thursday, officials expressed their sorrow over the unfortunate incident, stating the artworks were “most likely” taken out with the refuse.
Mayor Hans van der Pas expressed regret over the mishap, telling public broadcaster Omroep Brabant, “That's not how you treat valuables. But it happened." An investigative report into the incident revealed that some artworks were carelessly stored in wheelie bins in the basement, underscoring a lack of proper guidelines for storing valuable cultural pieces.
The inquiry highlighted serious shortcomings, such as the absence of established policies and protocols for handling artworks during renovations, as well as ineffective actions taken when the pieces were discovered missing. Local media report that the total value of the lost artworks is approximately €22,000 (£18,800), and officials now express skepticism regarding their recovery.
Queen Beatrix, who ruled the Netherlands from 1980 until her abdication in 2013, was among several monarchs depicted in Warhol's notable series, Reigning Queens. This series, created in 1985, featured colorful prints of four influential royal figures, including the late Queen Elizabeth II and Margrethe II of Denmark, who abdicated in 2023.
Interestingly, just months prior, Warhol prints of Queen Beatrix and Queen Ntombi Twala were stolen during a heist at a Dutch art gallery, only to be abandoned by the thieves due to size constraints. This incident raises further questions about the care and management of artworks within the municipality, emphasizing the urgent need for improved handling and storage practices in the art community.
