Sir, - As a recent article on the Lusitania (May 15th) mentioned, Sir Hugh Lane was one of the passengers on board. The inventory for that liner records that he had in his possession a box of paintings. The question of whether or not these paintings have survived has yet to be resolved.
In the meantime, we should remember the truly significant contribution Hugh Lane made to Dublin. He set about establishing a gallery of modern art, which opened in 1908. It was the first gallery of modern art in these islands. Apart from the famous 39 French paintings which are shared with the National Gallery, London, the majority of which are on view at the Hugh Lane Gallery, Lane also presented to the Municipal Gallery over. 200 outstanding works by Irish, British, American and French artists. As well as that, he presented a considerable number of notable masterpieces to the National Gallery of Ireland. A truly remarkable achievement. In 1975, in honour of the centenary of his birth, the Municipal Gallery was renamed the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art. - Yours, etc.
Director,
Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art,
Parnell Square North,
Dublin 1.