Galleries urged to review security in light of climate activism

Art galleries have been advised to take proactive steps to protect themselves from direct action by climate change activists.

Among the suggested responses to the prospect of more action from groups such as Just Stop Oil, which last year threw soup at Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting at London’s National Gallery, is to restrict visitor numbers, position stewards in any "high-risk’ areas, and to introduce a "visitor behaviour code".

The advice comes from Ecclesiastical Insurance, an insurer of UK churches and Grade I listed buildings.

Faith Kitchen, Ecclesiatical’s Customer Segment Director, said: “There are a number of measures art galleries can take to help protect art from the risk of attacks from protestors.

“Inspecting bags at entrances and exits, securing priceless art behind glazed panels, and installing proximity alarm systems can help to deter attackers.”

She added that training staff and volunteers to “recognise and report unusual visitor behaviour” was also important, and urged galleries to “review their security arrangements on a regular basis”.

Many galleries already take extensive measures to protect well-known works of art.

The Van Gogh painting targeted by Just Stop Oil, for example, was behind protective glass and was not damaged in the protest.