Andy Warhol Print Disposed of Amid Dutch Renovation Blunder

A Dutch municipality has acknowledged that it likely discarded valuable artworks, including an Andy Warhol print, during town hall renovations — raising questions about the handling of cultural treasures.

The Maashorst municipality in the Netherlands has confirmed that it likely disposed of 46 artworks, including a notable Andy Warhol print of Queen Beatrix valued at approximately €15,000 (£12,800), during renovation efforts last year. The artworks, part of a temporary exhibition in Apeldoorn, went missing after they were stored in a basement during ongoing construction.

An investigation revealed that the lack of clear guidelines for the proper storage and handling of the artworks contributed to their loss. Mayor Hans van der Pas expressed regret over the incident, stating, "That's not how you treat valuables. But it happened." Local media cited the municipality's claim that the artworks were likely tossed out as trash.

A report indicated that some pieces were carelessly placed in wheelie bins and not afforded the necessary protection. Furthermore, the report noted inadequacies in establishing ownership, formulating policies for renovations, and responding appropriately to the artworks' disappearance. The total value of the discarded pieces is estimated to be around €22,000 (£18,800), and officials from Maashorst admitted it is improbable that the artworks will ever be recovered.

Queen Beatrix, the subject of Warhol's print, reigned from 1980 until her abdication in 2013, succeeded by her son, King Willem-Alexander. Warhol's "Reigning Queens" series included vibrant portraits of several monarchs, among them Queen Beatrix and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Interestingly, another print of Queen Beatrix was previously stolen during a robbery at a Dutch art gallery last year but was later abandoned by the thieves since it didn't fit in their getaway car, underscoring the risks surrounding the preservation of such valuable art.