Additional Coverage:
Environmental Activists Vandalize Van Gogh Paintings
On Friday, two climate activists from Just Stop Oil threw tomato soup at Vincent van Gogh’s "Sunflowers" paintings at London’s National Gallery. The paintings were protected by glass, so they were not damaged. The activists were arrested and the gallery reopened later that day.
Eco-Activists Sentenced to Prison
Earlier on Friday, two other Just Stop Oil activists, Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, were sentenced to prison for vandalizing the same "Sunflowers" painting in October 2022. Plummer received a two-year sentence, while Holland was sentenced to 20 months. The activists demanded that the UK government halt all new oil and gas projects.
Activists Protest Sentencing
The soup-throwing incident was apparently in protest against the sentencing of Plummer and Holland. Activists believe their actions are justified in the face of the climate crisis and economic turmoil caused by fossil fuels.
Judge Condemns Activists
Judge Christopher Hehir condemned the activists, saying their actions could have damaged or destroyed the artwork. He also criticized Plummer’s belief that she was above the law.
Just Stop Oil’s History of Activism
Just Stop Oil has staged numerous high-profile protests in recent years, including at major sporting events and on Britain’s transport networks. They have also targeted other artworks, such as John Constable’s "The Hay Wain" at the National Gallery in 2022.