Three activists from Just Stop Oil have pleaded not guilty to allegations of criminal damage on two prized Van Gogh paintings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Stephen Simpson, 61, Phillipa Green, 24, and Mary Somerville, 77, rejected claims that they were involved in an attack on the paintings just hours after other group members were sentenced.
The incident involved pouring soup over the paintings’ frames, causing damage to the antique frames owned by the National Gallery and on loan from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The estimated worth of the damaged frames is between £10,000 and £20,000 each, with the prosecutor highlighting the need for lengthy restoration.
Although the frames were affected, the paintings themselves were unharmed. The prosecutor emphasised the significance of the artworks, stating that Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers are cherished by millions worldwide and in the UK. The precise extent of the damage is yet to be assessed but is expected to be substantial.
According to the prosecution, Simpson and Green targeted one painting, while Somerville targeted another, before revealing t-shirts with the message “Just Stop Oil”. Despite the damage to the frames, the National Gallery confirmed that the paintings remain protected by a thick glass screen and are undamaged.
The court heard that the incident occurred shortly after other activists, Phoebe Plummer, 23, and Anna Holland, 22, were sentenced to prison for causing damage to the same artwork’s frame. Plummer received a two-year sentence, while Holland was sentenced to 20 months. The judge emphasised the severity of the actions, warning of potential harm to the cultural heritage and the lack of regard shown for the artwork by the offenders.
The defendants’ denial of involvement and the subsequent legal proceedings surrounding the alleged attack on the Van Gogh paintings have sparked debate and drawn attention to the activism of Just Stop Oil. The case continues to unfold as the court further examines the details of the incident and the impact on the priceless artworks involved.