PCS: Gallery bosses warned about security before masterpiece vandalised

Wednesday, 27 July 2011 3:26 PM

A masterpiece was vandalised at the National Gallery after the union representing the building's security guards had told management they didn't have enough staff.
Red aerosol paint was sprayed across Nicolas Poussin's 'The Adoration of the Golden Calf', earlier this month.

Now a Leonardo da Vinci exhibition, that the museum is due to stage later this year, could be in jeopardy as galleries that had agreed to lend precious works are questioning security.

In the weeks before the Poussin incident the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) had repeatedly complained about cuts to the numbers of security staff at the London venue.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "Security guards in cultural institutions work long hours for low pay - but they are providing a vital service.

"Cultural venues like the National Gallery play a huge part in the UK economy attracting visitors from all over the world.

"Cuts will cost money in the long term.

"PCS calls on the management of the National Gallery to restore confidence by immediately filling all security posts that have been cut - and to talk to their workers about the proper level of security that is required going forward."

ENDS

Notes

- For information and interview requests please ontact Miles Barter, who is standing in this week for PCS national press officer Richard Simcox, on 020 7801 2744.

- The Public and Commercial Services union represents civil and public servants in central government. It has more than 300,000 members in over 200 departments and agencies, and in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK's sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich - on Twitter @janicegodrich

 - Follow PCS on Twitter @pcs_union
 

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