Climate protesters throw soup over Vincent van Gogh's iconic 'Sunflowers' painting

Climate change protesters threw tomato soup over Vincent van Gogh's iconic “Sunflowers” painting in London's National Gallery, videos online Friday showed.

The group which wants the British government to halt new oil and gas projects, said its activists threw two cans of Heinz tomato soup over the oil painting.

London's Metropolitan Police said its officers arrested two protesters from the group for criminal damage and aggravated trespass after they "threw a substance over a painting," AFP reported.


A video clip showed the two activists wearing 'Just Stop Oil' T-shirts throwing tomato soup over one of the most famous works of art in the world. Someone in the background screamed "Oh my God", while another person shouts, "Security?"

The two activists immediately pulled out two tubes of super adhesive, dabbed the stuff generously on their hands, and proceeded to glue themselves to the wall.

"What is worth more, art or life? Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting or the protection of our planet and people?" she asks.

'Sunflowers' by Dutch master Vincent van Gogh dates to 1888, and has a value of $84.2 million. It was not immediately clear whether the painting is protected by glass.

Just Stop Oil has often tried to draw attention by targeting artworks in museums. In July, their activists glued themselves to the frame of Leonardo da Vinci's “The Last Supper” at London's Royal Academy of Arts, and to John Constable's “The Hay Wain” in the National Gallery.

Activists have also blocked bridges and intersections across London during two weeks of protests, AP reported.

The wave of demonstrations comes as the British government opens a new licensing round for North Sea oil and gas exploration, despite criticism from environmentalists and scientists who say the move undermines the country's commitment to fighting climate change.