National Gallery bans liquids as activists target artworks

The National Gallery in London has banned liquids following recent demonstrations by activists targeting artworks in the museum.

The institution said in a statement that it is introducing “increased security measures to ensure the safety of all who visit, National Gallery staff and the nation’s collection of paintings”.

It added: “The collection we hold is irreplaceable and with each attack we have been forced to consider putting more barriers between the people and their artworks to preserve these fragile objects for future generations.”

Effective now, no liquids can be taken into the National Gallery, except for baby formula, expressed milk and prescription medicines.

Since July 2022, five separate demonstrations have been staged at the National Gallery on artworks by Vincent van Gogh, John Constable, Diego Velázquez and Pablo Picasso.

In recent weeks, soup was thrown over two paintings at the gallery by activists with Just Stop Oil. This was followed by a different protest involving two activists from an organisation called Youth Demand.

“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 National Gallery said.

Recent protests at National Gallery

The institution asked visitors to bring “minimal items with them including no large bags”. All doors into the gallery have walk-through metal detectors and bag inspections, it said.

“We anticipate it will take longer to access the gallery than usual and we apologise for this inconvenience,” the museum added.

Earlier this week, UK museum directors released an open letter in response to the recent protests, writing: “Whilst we respect the right for people to protest, and are often sympathetic to the cause, these attacks have to stop.”

Just Stop Oil supporter Eddie Whittingham discussed how radical action works to change public opinion and government policy at last year’s greenloop – the sustainability in visitor attractions conference.

Images courtesy of Just Stop Oil / National Gallery