The National Gallery in London will ban liquids and large bags starting 18 October due to climate protest vandalism, notably incidents involving Van Gogh’s *Sunflowers*. The new security measures aim to protect both the art and visitors amid concerns over the safety of masterpieces from activist actions.
From 18 October, the National Gallery in London will implement a ban on liquids and large bags in response to a recent surge in climate protests targeting its artworks. This measure follows several incidents involving activists damaging notable pieces, including Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Just Stop Oil activists, for instance, threw soup on this artwork, contributing to a recent spate of five attacks since July 2022. The museum’s decision aims to safeguard visitors, staff, and its collection from further disturbances. Security measures will include inspections and metal detectors at entrances, and while liquids are banned, exemptions exist for baby formula, expressed milk, and prescription medicines. The museum expressed regret for the inconvenience but emphasised the necessity of these precautions to protect irreplaceable art. The announcement was made shortly after a joint letter from museum directors, including the National Gallery’s director Gabriele Finaldi, called for an end to such protests. Activist groups have since extended an invitation to meet with museum officials to discuss these issues. Since 2022, numerous masterpieces globally have faced similar protests, as activists increasingly target art to draw attention to their cause.
In recent years, climate activism has increasingly intersected with the art world, with groups like Just Stop Oil drawing attention by targeting famous artworks. These actions, while aimed at raising awareness for environmental issues, have faced backlash for endangering cultural heritage. The National Gallery’s new measures reflect a growing concern over the safety of priceless artworks amidst protests and the impacts these demonstrations have on public perception of museums. Limiting liquids and large bags is a direct response to protect the art and ensure visitor safety amid ongoing protests involving vandalism and public protest.
The National Gallery’s decision to restrict liquids and large bags constitutes a significant shift in security policy, primarily driven by recent climate activism targeting artworks. While the measures aim to protect art and ensure visitor safety, they are also a response to the broader dialogue surrounding climate protests in cultural spaces. The necessity for such restrictions indicates a troubling trend in activism that may further alienate the public from these vital cultural institutions.
Original Source: news.artnet.com