The Maashorst municipality in the Netherlands faces embarrassment after admitting to inadvertently throwing away 46 valuable artworks during renovation works last year. Among the lost treasures is a silkscreen print of Queen Beatrix by iconic artist Andy Warhol, valued at around €15,000.
An investigation revealed that the artworks were stored improperly in a basement and possibly placed in wheelie bins, leading to their accidental disposal. Mayor Hans van der Pas expressed sorrow over the incident, noting it was not a proper way to handle valuable items.
The municipality's statement confirmed that the artworks were mistakenly taken out with the trash during town hall renovations, which aimed to merge their area with the neighboring municipality. A report highlighted that poor organization and absence of clear storage guidelines contributed to the loss.
Overall, the lost artworks are estimated to be worth about €22,000, and officials suggest they are unlikely to be recovered. Interestingly, the Queen Beatrix print is part of Warhol's famous Reigning Queens series, which features portraits of notable monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II.
This follows a previous incident last year where Warhol prints were stolen from a gallery and later abandoned because they wouldn’t fit in the thieves' getaway vehicle.
An investigation revealed that the artworks were stored improperly in a basement and possibly placed in wheelie bins, leading to their accidental disposal. Mayor Hans van der Pas expressed sorrow over the incident, noting it was not a proper way to handle valuable items.
The municipality's statement confirmed that the artworks were mistakenly taken out with the trash during town hall renovations, which aimed to merge their area with the neighboring municipality. A report highlighted that poor organization and absence of clear storage guidelines contributed to the loss.
Overall, the lost artworks are estimated to be worth about €22,000, and officials suggest they are unlikely to be recovered. Interestingly, the Queen Beatrix print is part of Warhol's famous Reigning Queens series, which features portraits of notable monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II.
This follows a previous incident last year where Warhol prints were stolen from a gallery and later abandoned because they wouldn’t fit in the thieves' getaway vehicle.
