How much protest is too much protest? This question became the talk of Britain after two activists from Just Stop Oil smashed and vandalized the glass protecting a famous painting in London’s National Gallery on Monday. Just Stop Oil protestors on Monday reportedly went inside London's National Art Gallery and vandalized Diego Velazquez’s 17th-century 'Rokeby Venus' by breaking its glass with orange safety hammers. Not only this, Just Stop Oil proudly shared the video on their X handle, formerly known as Twitter, explaining why they did it.
In the viral Just Stop Oil protestors London Gallery video, two activists can be seen breaking the famous painting glass. After breaking the painting glass, the Just Stop Oil protestors said, "Women did not get the vote, by voting. It is time for deeds and not words. It is time to just stop oil."
"Politics is failing us.... if millions will die due to new gas and oil licenses. If we love history, if we love art and if we love our families we must just stop oil. "
Just Stop Oil shared the video with the caption saying, "UFFRAGETTE PAINTING SMASHED... Our government have revealed plans for MORE oil licences, knowing it will kill millions. In response, two supporters of Just Stop Oil smashed the Rokeby Venus — slashed by Mary Richardson in 1914."
It is pertinent to mention here that UK Police have arrested the two activist who vandalized the painting. As per reports, the painting is known for having been previously damaged in an act of protest by suffragette Mary Raleigh Richardson in 1914.
London's National Gallery also issued statement on its official X handle and wrote, "At just before 11am this morning (6 November 2023) two people entered Room 30 of the National Gallery. The pair appeared to strike The Toilet of Venus (‘The Rokeby Venus’) by Velázquez with what appeared to be emergency rescue hammers. The room was cleared of visitors and police were called. Officers are now on the scene.
Two people have been arrested. The painting is now being removed from display so it can be examined by Conservators."
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