Digging deep in Henry’s painting

Sir, – I feel I must defend Paul Henry's depiction of The Potato Diggers. Contrary to what Gerry Lyne writes (Letters, June 5th), many people dig while backing up an incline. I have watched people do so here in the West throughout my life and I dig that way myself on a regular basis. Indeed if the slope is steep (and,believe me, many hereabouts are!) you have very little choice but to dig whilst backing up against the hill. Proceeding as Mr Lyne suggests could easily result in a loss of balance.

Paul Henry would have observed many people sowing and digging potatoes during his time in the West. Perhaps the gradients are less severe in Dublin 12. – Yours, etc,

FRANK CONROY,

Maam, Leenane PO,

Co Galway.