The management committee at a Co Donegal art gallery distanced itself yesterday from the actions of its chairman who removed two nude paintings from an exhibition without authorisation.
The committee at the Tullyarvan Mill in Buncrana, apologised to artist Bernadette Hopkins and to the exhibition organisers. It said its chairman, Mr Brian Flanagan, was speaking independently, and his views did not represent the committee.
Mr Flanagan took down two paintings of abstract female nudes last Wednesday, saying they were "ugly and symbolised, if anything, a strong disregard for concerns of modesty". The mill and the organisers could conceivably be sued by parents under the Obscene Publications Act, he said.
The group said Ms Hopkins's exhibition, River Beneath A River had been on show at the mill for over three weeks with no complaints from parents, the public or any community development group using the building's facilities.