In a dramatic display of environmental activism, two campaigners from the group Just Stop Oil staged a protest at London’s renowned National Gallery on Monday, directing their ire at the famed artwork “Rokeby Venus” by Diego Velázquez, dating from the 17th century. The activists, wielding devices referred to as ‘safety hammers’, shattered the protective glass of the painting amidst an unsuspecting crowd of gallery visitors.
The advocates, named Harrison Donnelly, 20, and a 22-year-old referred to only as Hanan by the group, voiced their protest loudly to the bystanders, warning of the catastrophic human toll they claim will result from new oil and gas initiatives. “Action speaks louder than words. It’s time to Just Stop Oil,” declared Hanan in a fervent call to arms, echoing the sentiment that catalyzed the women’s suffrage movement. Donnelly, vocalizing his distrust in political solutions, cited historical parallels to underscore the urgency of their cause, proclaiming, “Millions will die due to new oil and gas licenses. Millions! If we cherish our heritage, our art, and our kin, we must halt the oil industry.”
Following their act of protest, the duo assumed a seated position in front of the breached barrier, continuing to rally for their cause.
Their demonstration not only targeted the cherished Velázquez painting but also extended to a theatrical performance in London’s West End on Wednesday night. The Metropolitan Police reported the apprehension of five individuals on allegations of aggravated trespass following the incident. During a rendition of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from the famous musical ‘Les Misérables’, a protester interrupted the show, waving a flag emblazoned with a skull and the words “Just Stop Oil” before the assembly. Subsequently, additional activists ascended the stage with a banner echoing the slogan, leading to boos from the audience and the hurried exit of the cast by the production crew.
This series of protests underscores the increasing boldness of environmental activists in their fight against fossil fuel reliance, drawing the public’s attention to their cause through high-profile disruptions.