News reports or official statements

Just Stop Oil Activists Jailed for Two Years and 20 Months for Soup Attack on Van Gogh’s 'Sunflowers'

Sep 27, 2024, 01:19 PM

Two Just Stop Oil activists, Phoebe Plummer, 23, and Anna Holland, 22, have been sentenced to prison for throwing soup over Vincent van Gogh’s 'Sunflowers' at London’s National Gallery in October 2022. Plummer received a two-year sentence, plus an additional 3 months, while Holland was sentenced to 20 months. The act, which damaged the painting's antique frame and glass cover, was condemned as 'criminally idiotic' by critics. Despite this, a group of artists and art professionals defended the activists, arguing their actions were part of a 'well-established tradition of creative iconoclasm.' Some even praised the soup-covered artwork, comparing it to a Jackson Pollock-style piece. The sentencing took place at Southwark Crown Court, where both activists were found guilty of criminal damage in July.