The National Gallery in London has announced a new policy prohibiting liquids to enhance art protection. This decision follows several activist attacks that targeted famous artworks.
The ban applies to all liquids except for essential items like baby formula, breast milk, and prescribed medicines. Recent incidents involving damages to paintings such as Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ have prompted this action.
In recent years, the National Gallery has experienced multiple activist-led attacks. Iconic artworks, including pieces by Van Gogh and Constable, have been directly affected by these acts.
The attacks are primarily motivated by a desire to protest pressing global issues. Activists argue that art loses its significance when environmental and human welfare are at stake.
The consequences of these actions have been manifold. Not only have they resulted in physical harm to the artwork, but they have also distressed visitors and staff.
Moreover, these events have disrupted the Gallery’s mission to make outstanding art accessible to the public.
Such attacks have called into question the effectiveness of current security measures, prompting a strategic reassessment and the introduction of the liquid ban.
Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ has been attacked twice. The first occurrence involved Just Stop Oil activists, who threw soup on the painting.
In a similar attack, two individuals were apprehended after defacing a Picasso with an image of a conflict-affected family.
These incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of valuable artworks and the need for increased protective measures within art institutions.
The National Gallery has responded robustly to these challenges by implementing a thorough review of its security protocols. This includes the newly introduced liquid ban.
Such measures are necessary to safeguard priceless cultural heritage and ensure public confidence in the Gallery’s ability to protect its collections.
Just Stop Oil and Youth Demand have openly communicated their motives. They assert that their actions, though damaging, are part of a long-standing protest tradition.
Activists defend their methods as essential to drawing attention to the climate crisis and putting pressure on political entities to act.
In an open letter, they requested dialogue with museum directors to discuss their concerns, emphasising the role of disruptive action in historical movements.
Legal actions against those involved have been swift. Activists targeting ‘Sunflowers’ received sentences ranging from 20 months to two years.
These legal outcomes reflect the seriousness with which the justice system views threats to cultural landmarks.
Such measures are intended to deter future attacks and to preserve the integrity of cultural institutions.
In light of these developments, the National Gallery plans to continue strengthening its security measures. This includes staff training and the adoption of advanced technologies to prevent future incidents.
The National Gallery’s decision to ban liquids marks a significant shift in its security policy. It underscores a commitment to protecting art against activism risks while balancing public access.
