UCL cleans up Just Stop Oil paint

Photo courtesy of Conor Walsh

UCL has employed the use of water jet sprays to clean up the paint left on the Main Building after it was targeted by Just Stop Oil on October 11. 

This comes after a week of stationing security guards and erecting belt barriers to keep students away from the iconic steps.

When Just Stop Oil targeted UCL as part of its nationwide university demonstrations last week, the beloved columns that welcome students into the Main Building were stained a bright orange. 

This has been a source of complaint for numerous students, who view the act as unprovoked and an eyesore. 

Lily Rimmer, a student representative for the Department of Political Science, says: “I understand the importance of their message, but why target our university which has made commitments to lowering carbon emissions? All the students I’ve spoken to are very aware of Just Stop Oil’s cause already, so they ought to be targeting bigger companies and important individuals who can actually make a change, rather than causing a disturbance to students who already care.”

The Main Building was designed by architect William Wilkins, who also designed the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square. Both buildings are iconic examples of English architecture.

It seems that the protest may have wavered student support for the climate activist group and raised questions about their protesting methods, which are nonviolent but certainly seen as an inconvenience. 

Considering the building’s historical significance and popularity as a lunch spot, many students will likely breathe a sigh of relief once they see the paint has been cleaned up.