Pillocks vs Security guards
July 19 2011
Picture: BBC
The pillock who assaulted Rupert Murdoch today shows how difficult it is to stop such nutters. If someone can get a can of shaving foam past security at the Houses of Parliament, and hit Rupert Murdoch on the head with its contents, then the attack on the Poussin looks like childs play.
But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try and prevent such attacks. To that end, a reader who knows about these things suggests that searches at the National Gallery would be relatively easy to implement. These, he says, are the rules:
Enough staff to prevent queues. No-one likes being searched with an audience so if it gets busy throw more staff at it. Large desk for resting bags etc on and one member of staff doing metal detecting, good equipment needs only a quick sweep, this cuts out spray cans.
Options for paint become very difficult. Stand in front of a picture, heart racing and try to throw paint from a container. It can be very difficult.
Always have an extra staff member just watching and taking no part in the search, absolutely vital this.
Properly done this should cause minimal inconvenience and can be very strong deterrent. It need not cost the earth.
One last thing. Target art is invariable 'cased' in advance. This is when CCTV comes into it's own and a good operator knows his area.
There is tracking software available but I don't think it has ever been used in a museum context.
Top marks, incidentally, to Mrs Rupert Murdoch (in pink) for retaliating against today's pillock. Both the National Gallery and the Houses of Parliament should hire her to train their security guards.
PS - if you're wondering what the tapestry is, The Art Newspaper has the answer here.
