Activists have thrown a can of tomato soup over a Vincent Van Gogh “Sunflowers” painting hanging in the National Gallery, London.
The two young women were from the group Just Stop Oil.
They were named as Phoebe Plummer, 21, and Anna Holland, 20.
They entered the gallery just after 11.00 am and threw the soup over the picture – worth an estimated £75 million.
After despoiling the picture, they glued themselves to the wall.
Activists with @JustStop_Oil have thrown tomato soup on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the national Gallery and glued themselves to the wall. pic.twitter.com/M8YP1LPTOU
— Damien Gayle (@damiengayle) October 14, 2022
Following the action, Ms Plummer was filmed saying:
“What is worth more?
“Art or life?
“Is it worth more than food?
“Worth more than justice?
“Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting or the protection of our planet and people.
“The cost-of-living crisis is part of the cost of oil crisis.
“Fuel is unaffordable to millions of cold, hungry families.
“They can’t even afford to heat a tin of soup.”
A National Gallery spokesperson said:
“At just after 11am this morning two people entered Room 43 of the National Gallery.
“The pair appeared to glue themselves to the wall adjacent to Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ (1888).
“They also threw a red substance – what appears to be tomato soup – over the painting.
“The room was cleared of visitors and police were called.
“Officers are now on the scene.
“There is some minor damage to the frame, but the painting is unharmed.”
Ms Plummer and Ms Holland have been arrested.
