Defenders of Art

“We have the duty to preserve the past, because without memory there is no identity.”

UNITED KINGDOM
Stonehenge Orange Spray Vandalism

Stonehenge – Orange Powder Paint Attack (2024)

On June 19, 2024, two individuals illegally entered the restricted perimeter of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, and sprayed several of the prehistoric standing stones with orange powder paint. The substance was applied directly onto the stone surfaces, visibly coating areas of the monument and altering its appearance. Site security and police intervened shortly after the act, and the perpetrators were detained at the scene. The vandalism required the immediate closure of the site while conservation specialists carried out cleaning procedures. Although the paint was later described as removable, the act interfered with public access to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was treated as criminal damage under heritage protection laws. Despite this, the individuals involved were later found not guilty. Following the verdict, they publicly stated that they were proud of their actions.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers – Vincent van Gogh – Soup Protest (2022)

In October 2022, two environmental activists affiliated with the British group Just Stop Oil entered London’s National Gallery and threw tomato soup over Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers (1888). The painting itself was protected by glass and was not physically damaged, but the frame suffered harm and the gallery was temporarily closed while security intervened. The activists glued their hands to the wall beneath the work and were arrested shortly afterward. The incident drew global attention and widespread condemnation for targeting an iconic masterpiece housed in a public museum

Statues Toppled

Historical Statues Toppled (2020)

In 2020, several historical statues were forcibly toppled and vandalized during protests against colonial and controversial figures. The most notable was Edward Colston’s statue in Bristol, England, which was dragged through the streets and dumped into the harbor. Other monuments across Europe and U.S. suffered similar destruction or defacement. These acts caused permanent damage to public artworks and disrupted communities, with some participants later arrested. The incidents illustrate how civil unrest can directly threaten cultural heritage.

Banksy Painted Over

Banksy – Street Mural Painted Over (2019)

In 2019, a Banksy mural in Dover was deliberately painted over and removed from public view. The artwork, created on a public wall, was permanently lost as a result of this action. The incident deprived the community and the wider public of access to the original piece, demonstrating how even street art can be vulnerable to intentional destruction or interference. The responsible parties were not publicly identified.

Black on Maroon Vandalism

Black on Maroon – Mark Rothko – Marker Graffiti Attack (2012)

In October 2012, Włodzimierz Umaniec entered Tate Modern in London and deliberately wrote on Mark Rothko’s Black on Maroon (1958), one of the Seagram Murals, using a black permanent marker. The inscription was applied directly onto the lower corner of the canvas and included the phrase “Włodzimierz Umaniec ’12, A Potential Piece of Yellowism.” Museum staff intervened immediately, and the painting was removed from public view for conservation treatment. The attack caused direct damage to the painted surface and required an extensive restoration process lasting approximately 18 months. Umaniec was arrested at the scene, convicted of criminal damage, and sentenced to two years in prison.