Metropolitan Museum of Art Disputes Ownership of Allegedly Stolen Rolling Stones Guitar

What's Happening?

A dispute has arisen between former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor and the Metropolitan Museum of Art over the ownership of a 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar. The guitar, which was donated to the museum by billionaire investor Dirk Ziff, is part of a significant collection of over 500 guitars. Taylor claims the guitar, known for its 'starburst' finish, was stolen during the recording sessions for the Stones' album 'Exile on Main St.' in 1971. The Met, however, maintains that their provenance records do not indicate the guitar ever belonged to Taylor. The guitar, nicknamed the 'Keithburst,' has a storied history, having been played by Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page. Taylor's team is calling for an independent inspection to verify the guitar's provenance.

Why It's Important?

This dispute highlights the complexities of provenance in the art and music world, particularly for items with significant historical and cultural value. The outcome could impact the museum's reputation and its future acquisitions. For Taylor, reclaiming the guitar would be a personal victory and a restoration of a piece of his musical legacy. The case also underscores the challenges museums face in verifying the authenticity and ownership history of donated items, which can affect public trust and the integrity of their collections.

What's Next?

The next steps could involve legal action or negotiations between Taylor and the Met. An independent expert might be brought in to assess the guitar's provenance, which could either validate Taylor's claim or reinforce the museum's records. The Met plans to open a new gallery dedicated to American guitars, and the resolution of this dispute could influence how they handle similar cases in the future.

Beyond the Headlines

This situation raises broader questions about the ethics of collecting and displaying items with contested histories. It also highlights the need for transparency and due diligence in the art world to prevent similar disputes. The case could set a precedent for how museums handle claims of ownership and provenance disputes in the future.