Madam, - One of the greatest pleasures afforded by the opening of the Millennium wing of the National Gallery is to wander through the Merrion Square entrance and pass through the lovely 19th-century galleries, stopping here and there to become re-acquainted with some favourite painting. One can take any number of routes, and end up exiting the gallery in Clare Street. A shortcut with a cultural experience thrown in, you might say.
I do this frequently, and I always stop at the top of the new staircase in the Millennium Wing to take in the majestic vista of the new architecture as it soars up several stories above the old Georgian houses which have so cleverly been incorporated into the structure. It never fails to take my breath away.
It feels almost churlish therefore, to offer a criticism of something that gives me so much pleasure. But where are the pictures? Where are the sculptures? And, for goodness sake, why are the surfaces so designed to preclude ever hanging something on them? In all that vast space there seem to be just two modest galleries. the 20th-century Irish paintings look cramped already, and have to be moved aside to accommodate some travelling exhibitions.
The Hugh Lane gallery is now planning to incorporate the former National Ballroom as urgently needed new gallery space, so I just want gently to remind its management that we do not need another place to drink overpriced cappuccino and eat carrot cake. There are also enough outlets for coffee table books, commemoration mugs and postcards.
We need space to display works of art. - Yours, etc.,
NOEL BUCKLEY, Brighton Square, Dublin 6.