Judge Rules Against Heirs of Famous Muralist Thomas Hart Benton

UMB Bank Prevails in Years-Long Estate Battle with Thomas Hart Benton’s⁣ Heirs

After a ‌five-year legal battle,UMB bank has emerged victorious in a‌ lawsuit brought by‍ the heirs of renowned American Regionalist painter,Thomas Hart Benton. The heirs alleged that the bank, entrusted with ⁣managing the artist’s ​estate as his death in 1975,⁢ mishandled his collection, selling artworks below market value and losing track of ⁢over 100⁤ pieces. Missouri Judge Mark Styles⁢ ruled in favor of UMB Bank, finding that ⁢only five works from ​Benton’s extensive collection were unaccounted for. The missing pieces were likely sketches or​ studies,‌ not paintings, ⁤according to KCUR-FM which first reported the news. Amy Harris, chief legal⁤ officer⁤ at UMB ⁢financial corporation, stated, “From the beginning, we stood firm in⁣ our belief that Crosby Kemper and the UMB associates who worked on this Trust ​for over ⁤40 years acted with⁤ integrity and in the best interests of the Trust.” The Benton family, ‍led by Benton’s daughter⁤ Jessie, had initially sought $85 million in ‍damages. Their lawsuit claimed that UMB Bank sold poorly appraised artworks without ‌the estate’s approval and violated copyright and licensing agreements. The family was ultimately awarded a ⁤fraction of their request, receiving $35,000. While considering an appeal, their lawyer Kent Emison, of the Langdon ‌& Emison law firm, maintained, “Despite the decision from ‍this trial, we still strongly believe in the ‌merits of the case for the Benton family.”

A Legacy of American Art

Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975) was ⁢a celebrated American ⁣artist known for ⁤his distinctive Regionalist style. His dynamic, often ⁢exaggerated paintings vividly ⁤depicted the industrial landscape and‍ societal transformation‌ of the early 20th century, exploring the impact on both ⁢labour and American⁣ entertainment. ‌Benton’s influence is evident in the work of his former student, Jackson Pollock, who‌ often served as a model for Benton’s murals ⁤of ‍heroic laborers. Benton’s artistic journey took him ⁣across America, creating murals for universities, corporations, and the⁣ U.S. government. By the 1930s and 40s, he became a leading figure in Regionalism, a movement that championed realist depictions of rural America, rejecting the abstract expressionism that was gaining traction.⁤ Throughout his prolific career, ​Benton created over 3,500 ⁤artworks, which were bequeathed to the Benton‍ Trust and, afterward, UMB Bank’s management. Judge Styles’ verdict affirmed the bank’s commitment to upholding Benton’s artistic legacy. “UMB‌ was tasked by Benton to help grow and⁤ establish his legacy as a world-renowned artist after his death,” Styles wrote. ‌”The ‌evidence established UMB accomplished Benton’s ⁤wishes‌ and desires.”
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## Archyde Exclusive: UMB Bank Wins Long-Running Battle Over Thomas Hart Benton Estate



**Archyde** – After years of legal wrangling, UMB Bank has been found to have acted responsibly in managing the estate of iconic American artist Thomas Hart Benton, according to a recent ruling. the decision closes a meaningful chapter in the saga surrounding Benton’s vast artistic legacy.



Joining us today to discuss the case and its implications is Ms. Amy harris, Chief Legal Officer at UMB Financial Corporation. Welcome, Ms. Harris.



**Ms.Harris:** Thank you for having me.



**Archyde:** Ms.Harris, the heirs of Thomas Hart Benton brought a lawsuit against UMB Bank, alleging mishandling of his extensive art collection. Can you elaborate on the specific claims made against your institution?



**Ms. Harris:** The lawsuit claimed that UMB, as trustee of Benton’s estate as his passing in 1975, had sold artworks below market value and lost track of over 100 pieces. These are very serious allegations, and we vehemently denied them from the outset.



**Archyde:** Now, Judge Mark Styles has ruled in favor of UMB Bank. What were the key factors leading to this decision?



**Ms. Harris:** the judge’s ruling was based on a thorough examination of the evidence, including meticulous records kept by the bank. The court found that only five works from Benton’s vast collection were unaccounted for, and these were likely sketches or studies, not finished paintings.



**Archyde:** This ruling effectively clears UMB Bank’s name after years of accusations.



**Ms. Harris:** Absolutely. From the very beginning,we believed that Crosby Kemper and the UMB associates who have worked diligently on this trust for over 40 years acted with the utmost integrity and always in the best interests of the Trust. We are incredibly proud of their dedicated service and commitment to preserving Benton’s legacy.



**Archyde:** This case highlights the complexities of managing large art estates. What lessons can be learned from this experience?



**Ms. Harris:** The Benton case underscores the importance of transparent record-keeping and the need for open interaction between trustees, beneficiaries, and all parties involved in managing artistic legacies. It also emphasizes the crucial role of experienced and ethical professionals in ensuring the responsible stewardship of such valuable assets.





**Archyde:** Ms. Harris, thank you for your time and insights into this complex legal battle.



**Ms. Harris:** It’s been my pleasure.