WHEN distinguished scholar Hilary Pyle launched her book, Yeats, Portrait Of An Artistic Family, there were a number of people in the National Gallery to give it a moving seal of approval. W.B Yeats's children, Michael and Ann Yeats gave it their official imprimatur, especially important since Anne's work features in the book. Michael Purser, nephew of Sarah Purser, subject of John B. Yeats's famous portrait, and also the nephew of artist Mainie Jellett, came along to show his support, as did Hilary's husband Michael Carey and daughter Sorcha.
Artists Veronica Hayward and Carmel Mooney enjoyed the evening as did art collectors Richard Wood, just up from Cork, and Paddy Brennan who recently donated a Jack B. Yeats painting titled The Gay Moon to the gallery.
From the business world came, David Leech of Kindle Banking and, Adrian Crawford of Arthur Anderson, while publishers Hugh Merrell, and Paul Holberton of Merrell Holberton travelled over from London, the latter in a white suit Martin Bell would have been proud of.