National Gallery bans liquids after ‘physical damage’ to paintings by protesters

The National Gallery has made the “unfortunate decision” to ban liquids in the wake of a spate of attacks by activists on its artworks.

Visitors to the London museum are urged from Friday at 10am to bring “minimal items” to the institution including “no large bags”.

“Unfortunately, we have now reached a point where we have been forced to act to protect our visitors, staff and collection,” the National Gallery said in a statement on Thursday.

“From 10am on Friday October 18 2024, no liquids can be brought into the National Gallery, except for baby formula, expressed milk and prescription medicines.”

It cited paintings including Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, John Constable’s The Hay Wain and Velazquez’s Rokeby Venus among those targeted in “five separate attacks on iconic paintings”.

“Such attacks have caused physical damage to the artworks, distress to visitors and staff alike, and disruption to our mission to ensure great art is available for everyone, everywhere to enjoy,” the statement added.

“ Two of these attacks have happened in the last two weeks, and that is why we have taken the difficult and unfortunate decision to change the way we operate for the foreseeable future.

“We urge all visitors to bring minimal items with them including no large bags. All doors into the Gallery have walk-through metal detectors where we will inspect bags and rucksacks.”

It said it was “sorry” to make this decision, and believed entry into the museum will now take longer.

Van Gogh’s Sunflowers was targeted at the gallery which caused damage to the frame, estimated to be worth £10,000 to £20,000, and paintings, according to prosecutor James Bowker.

Three Just Stop Oil supporters, Stephen Simpson, of Bradford, West Yorkshire, Mary Somerville, also of Bradford, and Phillipa Green, of Penryn, Cornwall, all pleaded not guilty to criminal damage at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last month.

The trio will next appear at Southwark Crown Court on October 28.

This was shortly after two Just Stop Oil activists were jailed for pouring soup and causing £10,000 worth of damage in October 2022 to the frame of Sunflowers by the Dutch artist.

Phoebe Plummer received a two-year jail term, while Anna Holland was handed 20 months.

Two supporters also glued themselves to Constable’s The Hay Wain in July 2022.

Protesters allegedly smashed the glass protecting the Rokeby Venus, or The Toilet of Venus, and caused more than £6,000 of damage in November 2023.