Madam, – A number of well- known Irish artists have called on the Minister for Finance to intervene to prevent the proposed sale of the Bank of Ireland art collection (May 21st). The main justification offered is that it would depress the value of Irish art leading to a “disaster in artistic, cultural and financial terms that is virtually unparalleled in the history of the State” – no less! It could equally be argued that recent Celtic Tiger trends have over-inflated Irish art values. While not in the interests of established artists and investors, a return to reasonable prices will be welcomed with open arms by many art lovers.
Making Irish art slightly more accessible to ordinary fans is hardly the impending disaster being forewarned.
– Yours, etc,
Madam, – Would a modern, topical and radical solution to the artists’ fear of an overhang in the market May 21st) not be a complete bulldozing of all corporately held art? This would increase the value of privately held daubings and provide a new vibrant market for this underprivileged masterclass. Legislation requiring “upward only” valuations is also urgently required.
– Yours, etc,