Superyachts are no longer just symbols of luxury – today, they are floating galleries for the ultra-wealthy, where artworks worth millions of dollars are often found alongside champagne glasses and plates of caviar.
But what happens when the crew lacks knowledge or sensitivity towards the artworks that adorn these yachts? One incident aboard a superyacht shocked the world of art and luxury, revealing the importance of educating crews about the value of art.
In 1964, Andy Warhol, the king of pop art, created replicas of the famous Brillo Box cardboard packaging, recognizable by its red-blue-white graphics. His wooden sculptures have become iconic in the art world, and one of them, in yellow, red, and blue versions, has reached a value of $3 million and even inspired an HBO documentary.
On one luxury yacht, such an authentic Warhol box, part of the owner’s collection, ended up in the trash. The crew, not recognizing its value, thought it was just ordinary cleaning supplies packaging. The loss was not only financial – it was a symbol of neglect towards cultural values.
Another incident on a superyacht further highlights the risks of crew ignorance about art. Yusaku Maezawa, a Japanese billionaire, displayed his famous Basquiat piece, “Untitled” from 1982, worth $110.5 million, in the yacht’s dining room. His children, startled by the strong image, threw cornflakes at the painting. The crew rushed to clean up the mess but unknowingly caused additional damage to the painting, significantly jeopardizing its value.
Fortunately, the painting was later restored thanks to Pandora Mater-Les, an expert in art conservation. She emphasized the importance of crew education, saying:
“Yacht crews are trained to serve owners at sea, not to handle art. However, as the wealthy increasingly bring their art collections aboard, education on caring for these pieces becomes crucial.”
Incidents like throwing away Warhol’s box or damaging Basquiat’s painting point to the growing need for expertise in handling art on luxury yachts. Artworks, whose value often depends on their pristine condition, require special attention. Mistakes like these not only cause financial losses but also harm cultural heritage.
Educating crews on the basics of art care, including proper transportation, storage, and maintenance, becomes imperative in a world where luxury is not just about possession but also about responsibility for the values that luxury carries.
