Activists throw tomato soup over Van Gogh’s iconic painting ‘Sunflowers’ at London’s National Gallery

Two environmental activists have reportedly thrown tomato soup over the iconic painting of Vincent van Gogh – the ‘Sunflowers’. The painting has been hanging in the National Gallery, London, and was open to public view.

The incident was reported to take place at around 11 am when Phoebe Plummer, 21, and Anna Holland, 20, walked into the room at the gallery where the 1888 version of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers has been kept. However, in a show of protest, Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland threw two cans of Heinz tomato soup over the art piece.




The current valuation of the Sunflowers is estimated to be around $84.2 million.

The video footage of the incident posted on Twitter shows Phoebe Plummer asking what is worth more between art and life.

Phoebe Plummer even pointed out why people are more concerned about the protection of the painting and whether they need to consider protecting the planet and its people.

Both the activists, Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland were seen waving a can of tomato soup while saying that the crisis of increasing cost-of-living is part of rising oil prices as millions of hungry families cannot afford fuel.

The Metropolitan Police Service arrested both of them on the accusation of criminal damage and aggravated trespass.

FAQs:

Which environmental group are the two accused activists, Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, belong to?
Both these activists, Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland belong to Just Stop Oil, a coalition of environmental groups lobbying the government to terminate all upcoming oil and gas projects.

Was Van Gogh’s painting Sunflowers damaged after the incident of throwing tomato soup over it?
Apart from minor damage to the painting’s frame, the main painting is unharmed after the incident.