Shell Ends 12-Year Sponsorship of London's National Gallery Amid Fossil Fuel Divestment Pressure

Shell has terminated its corporate sponsorship of London's National Gallery after a 12-year partnership, with documents revealing the arrangement concluded in January. The Guardian reported this development following Freedom of Information Act disclosures. Campaigners have long targeted fossil fuel sponsorships in cultural institutions, having previously succeeded in ending BP's Tate partnership in 2016. Shell's sponsorship provided the museum with approximately £20,000–£35,000 annually. The company stated it would redirect resources toward STEM education programs to inspire future engineers. However, Shell's current sponsorship of 'Electricity: The spark of life' at Manchester's Science and Industry Museum has prompted several Manchester Science Festival partners to withdraw in protest. Scientists continue pressuring the Science Museum Group, which oversees both Manchester and London museums, to sever ties with oil and gas companies. BP maintains partnerships with the British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Royal Shakespeare Company, and Royal Opera House.