A Chara, - With reference to the article by Aidan Dunne "The Art of Restoration" (Weekend, August 29th), and to the item "Conservation paying off" (On the Town, September 5th), we wish to draw attention to the fact that the restoration (conservation) department in the National Gallery owes its existence to the foresight and planning of Thomas MacGreevy, director, National Gallery of Ireland, 1950-1963. MacGreevy, having had experience in the National Gallery in London and being familiar with major European galleries, was anxious that the works of art in the gallery in Dublin should be properly conserved.
He consulted with an Italian expert, Dr Cesare Brandi of Rome, regarding the establishment of a department of restoration. Up to that time pictures had to be sent out of the gallery to be restored. MacGreevy also fought hard for an extension to the gallery which would facilitate in-house restoration and conservation. The building of this new wing was eventually agreed in 1962. - Le meas, Margaret Farrington, Elizabeth Ryan.
Dublin 6 and 14.