National Gallery Bans Liquids Amid Vandalism

The National Gallery in London has implemented a ban on liquids, effective from October 18, 2023, in response to a series of attacks on its artworks by climate protestors, notably Just Stop Oil. This decision follows five incidents since July 2022, including two recent attacks where soup was thrown at Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers. The gallery aims to safeguard its collection and the safety of visitors and staff, citing the distress and damage caused by these protests. Exceptions to the ban include baby formula, expressed milk, and prescription medicines, but visitors will also need to limit their belongings and undergo bag inspections. The gallery expressed regret over these measures, emphasizing the importance of protecting irreplaceable art for future generations. As part of its statements, the gallery noted the need for increased security to ensure public access to its collections remains uninterrupted.