- Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" defaced with orange soup at National Gallery
- Three charged with criminal damage: Stephen Simpson, Mary Somerville, Phillipa Green
- Paintings undamaged, returned to display after brief removal for examination
Three individuals have been charged after food was thrown at two Vincent Van Gogh paintings at the National Gallery in London.
Orange-coloured soup was thrown at the paintings “Sunflowers 1888” and “Sunflowers 1889” during the highly acclaimed Poets and Lovers exhibition. The incident occurred at the central London gallery and led to the immediate arrest of Stephen Simpson, 61, and Mary Somerville, 77, both from Bradford, West Yorkshire, along with Phillipa Green, 24, from Penryn, Cornwall.
The Metropolitan Police have charged the trio with causing criminal damage. They are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The National Gallery reported that the targeted paintings were promptly removed from public viewing for examination. However, they were found to be undamaged and were re-displayed within hours.
The paintings are part of an exhibition featuring over 60 pieces by the Dutch artist, who passed away in 1890 at the age of 37. The two sunflower paintings, along with a painting of a maternal figure, form a significant triptych that Van Gogh had suggested be displayed together in a letter to his brother, Theo.
The exhibition has been lauded by critics, with The Times calling it a “once-in-a-century” show and The Guardian describing it as a “riveting rollercoaster ride.”
This incident marks the third time in recent years that an artwork at the National Gallery has been targeted.
