Two activists who attached themselves via glue to a Van Gogh painting frame at a London gallery last week have been handed out a punishment by the legal system.
‘Just Stop Oil’ Activists Jailed After Damaging Van Gogh Painting But May Have Increased Its Value
Just Stop Oil activists Emily Brocklebank and Louis McKechnie, both 23, have been convicted of causing around £2,000 of damage to the frame. A 21-day prison sentence and a six-month suspension have been imposed on Ms Brocklebank.
However, she is also subject to a six-week electronically monitored curfew. Meanwhile, Mr McKechnie has been sentenced to three weeks in prison.
The two defendants had allegedly glued themselves to Van Gogh’s 1889 painting ‘Peach Trees In Blossom’ at the Courtauld Gallery. And to add insult to injury, they have actually done the painting a major favour since its value may have increased.
The pair’s lawyer, Francesca Cociani, had this to say: “It’s possible that this very painting has now increased in value because of the protest it was subject to by the defendants.
“Say the institute was to sell it on in 20 to 30 years, is it possible its value would now increase?” Nevertheless, that point was heavily disputed.
The painting has ultimately been damaged to the point where it is no longer possible to return it to its original condition. The fact that the painting has now become associated with this process has not done it any favours.
A curator from the gallery, Karen Serres, made it absolutely clear that the painting had been damaged forever. And this was backed up by the judge, Neeta Minhas, who confirmed as much: “It is not in a state where it can return to its original state.
“The painting has significant, historical and art value and I consider the damage to be substantial. It is not minor, insignificant, temporary or trivial.”
The painting will never be the same again, and so will the lives of the two activists change forever. So there you have it folks. What did you think about this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
