Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The three Just Stop Oil activists today. Just Stop Oil
London

Just Stop Oil activists arrested after throwing soup over Van Gogh paintings in London

The National Gallery confirmed the three activists had been arrested and the paintings remain unharmed.

THREE JUST STOP oil activists have been arrested after throwing soup at two Vincent Van Gogh paintings in London’s National Gallery.

They took action just hours after other members of the group were jailed for damaging the gold frame of the artist’s Sunflowers.

In a post on X,  Just Stop Oil posted a video of the event and said: “BREAKING: 2 VAN GOGH PAINTINGS SOUPED HOURS AFTER PHOEBE AND ANNA SENTENCED.

“3 Just Stop Oil supporters have thrown soup over 2 of Van Gogh(‘s) paintings in the ‘Poets and Lovers’ exhibition at the National Gallery”.

The video shows two activists throwing soup over the painting, and a third activist walking up to join them as they display shirts proclaiming “Just Stop Oil”.

“There are people in prison for demanding an end to new oil and gas, something which is now government policy after sustained, disruptive actions, countless headlines and the resulting political pressure,” one of the activists tells visitors in the gallery.

“Future generations will regard these prisoners of conscience to be on the right side of history.”

The National Gallery confirmed the three activists had been arrested and the paintings remain unharmed.

A statement said: “At just after 2.30pm this afternoon, three people entered Room 6 of the National Gallery Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers exhibition.

“They appeared to throw a soup like substance over two works – Sunflowers (1888, National Gallery, London) and Sunflowers (1889, Philadelphia Museum of Art).

“Police were called and three people have been arrested.

“The paintings were removed from display and examined by a conservator and are unharmed.

“We are aiming to reopen the exhibition as soon as possible.”

Phoebe Plummer 23, and Anna Holland, 22, were jailed on Friday after causing as much as £10,000 worth of damage to the artwork’s gold-coloured frame when they targeted it at London’s National Gallery.

With reporting by Press Association.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
60
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds