Climate activists vandalize historic painting in London National Gallery by smashing protective glass panel.
Climate Change Protesters Arrested for Damaging Famous Painting at London’s National Gallery
Two climate change protesters were arrested on Monday after they smashed a protective glass panel covering a famous Diego Velázquez oil painting at London’s National Gallery, according to police.
The activists, part of the group Just Stop Oil, targeted Velázquez’s “The Toilet of Venus,” also known as “The Rokeby Venus,” using small hammers.
Photos revealed the protective glass panel punctured with several holes.
Just Stop Oil, known for their protests against famous artworks and public buildings, stated that their action was a demand for the immediate cessation of all licensing for fossil fuel exploration, development, and production in the U.K.
The group explained that they chose to target Velázquez’s 17th-century oil painting, a celebrated masterpiece, because it had previously been slashed during the suffragette movement in 1914, which fought for women’s rights.
Just Stop Oil stated that the protesters hammered the glass panel and then addressed the gallery visitors, saying, “Women did not get the vote by voting. It is time for deeds, not words.”
“Politics is failing us. It failed women in 1914 and it is failing us now,” they added.
SUFFRAGETTE PAINTING SMASHED
Our government have revealed plans for MORE oil licences, knowing it will kill millions. In response, two supporters of Just Stop Oil smashed the Rokeby Venus — slashed by Mary Richardson in 1914.
Deeds, not words: https://t.co/3tlBID7nKA pic.twitter.com/Hk0el26QIt
— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 6, 2023
The police arrested the two activists on suspicion of criminal damage.
The National Gallery has removed the painting from display for examination by conservators.
“The pair appeared to strike ‘The Toilet of Venus’ (‘The Rokeby Venus’) by Velázquez with what appeared to be emergency rescue hammers. The room was cleared of visitors and police were called,” the museum stated.
The room was reopened shortly afterward with another painting replacing the Velázquez in its original location, the museum added.
At just before 11am this morning (6 November 2023) two people entered Room 30 of the National Gallery.
The pair appeared to strike The Toilet of Venus (‘The Rokeby Venus’) by Velázquez with what appeared to be emergency rescue hammers. The room was cleared of visitors and police…
— National Gallery (@NationalGallery) November 6, 2023
“The Toilet of Venus” portrays a naked Venus, the goddess of love, reclining on a bed with her back to the viewer, while her son Cupid holds a mirror up to her face.
The painting was previously targeted in 1914 by suffragette Mary Richardson to protest the imprisonment of fellow women’s rights activist Emmeline Pankhurst. The painting sustained several slashes at the time but was subsequently repaired.
Police also arrested dozens of other Just Stop Oil protesters on Monday who were obstructing traffic in central London’s Whitehall as part of their civil disobedience strategy.
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Last year, two activists threw two cans of tomato soup over Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” also at the National Gallery, to protest fossil fuel extraction. They did not damage the painting, which was covered with glass.
Part of a wave of destructive and dangerous “direct action” demonstrations around the world, Just Stop Oil is backed by the U.S.-based Climate Emergency Fund.
Just Stop Oil activists have staged multiple high-profile protests at the busiest highways and roads as well as sports tournaments.
In July, British authorities expanded police power allowing them to target activists who stop traffic and to move static protests.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post Climate Activists Smash Protective Glass Panel of Historic Painting in London National Gallery appeared first on The Western Journal.
What concerns do conservationists and art enthusiasts have regarding the potential harm caused to valuable artworks during protests?
With what appeared to be emergency rescue hammers. The room was cleared of visitors and police were called. — National Gallery (@NationalGallery) November 6, 2023
The protest by Just Stop Oil has sparked a debate over the boundaries of activism and the protection of cultural heritage.
While the group argues that their actions are necessary to draw attention to the urgent need for action against climate change, others believe that damaging famous artworks is an inappropriate and ineffective method of protest.
Conservationists and art enthusiasts express concern over the potential harm caused to valuable and irreplaceable masterpieces. The restoration process can be lengthy, costly, and may not fully restore the artwork to its original state.
Furthermore, critics argue that targeting the National Gallery, a prominent cultural institution, undermines the public’s support for climate change activism. They believe that associations between destructive acts and the climate change movement may harm the credibility of the cause.
Despite the controversy, Just Stop Oil remains adamant that their actions are justified. Spokesperson Mark Johnson stated, “We understand the concerns raised by some, but we believe that the urgency of the climate crisis requires unconventional methods that challenge society’s complacency. The destruction of an artwork pales in comparison to the destruction caused by climate change.”
The incident at the National Gallery has reignited discussions surrounding the role of art and culture in climate change activism. It highlights the complexities and moral dilemmas that arise when environmental concerns clash with the preservation of artistic heritage.
As public opinion continues to diverge on this issue, it remains to be seen how future climate change protests will navigate the fine line between raising awareness and causing irreparable damage to cultural artifacts.
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