Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Dutch Town Hall Confirms Warhol Prints Were Accidentally Discarded During Renovation

An investigation reveals systemic asset management failures led to the irreversible disposal of 46 artworks, including Warhol's Queen Beatrix silkscreen.

Princess Beatrix of The Netherlands opens the exhibition "Queens by Andy Warhol" at another museum in the Netherlands in October 2024.
Image
Beatrix, who abdicated in 2013, was portrayed in a series by Andy Warhol

Overview

  • Maashorst municipality officials confirmed that 46 Andy Warhol prints, valued at approximately €22,000, were most likely discarded as bulky waste during 2023 renovations.
  • The disposed artworks included a silkscreen print of Queen Beatrix from Warhol's 1985 'Reigning Queens' series, which suffered water damage before being discarded.
  • An independent investigation found no clear custodial responsibility, registration guidelines, or storage protocols for the artworks during the town hall merger and renovation.
  • The investigation, conducted between November 2024 and March 2025, concluded that the artworks are irretrievable and recovery is not expected.
  • The incident highlights broader vulnerabilities in public art management, contrasting with a nearby gallery heist where Warhol prints were deliberately stolen.