Sir, - The letter of April 30th from Paul Clinton, chief executive, the Carlton Group, council member, the Abbey Theatre, and Michael Smith, chairman, An Taisce, states that the Carlton site, owned by the Carlton Group, has already got planning permission for a scheme which does not include the rebuilding of the Abbey there.
I agree with the further reasons they give why the "Abbey Theatre should remain on its foundations for historical/cultural reasons".
When, in due course, the Abbey is rebuilt on its present site, it should include the old Abbey entrance foyer/vestibule. As is known to many, I have the granite stones, the doors, canopy, windows, railings and even the two billboards which were on the front wall of the old theatre before it was demolished in 1961. Also here are the stones of the side wall with the famous stage door.
As the stones are numbered, they can be re-erected to form a precious feature - the original Georgian facade, with the name "The Abbey Theatre" in dark green letters above the main entrance. This is the doorway used by thousands of theatre-goers, legendary poets, playwrights and actors after the Abbey was first opened on Tuesday, December 27th, 1904. The letter rightly states: "The Abbey was the first repertory theatre in the English-speaking world - and remains the most famous theatre brand name in the US". The original entrance should remain in Dublin, but there is enormous interest in it in the United States.
Prof O'Leary of Boston College, who has been here twice to see the material of the old Abbey, wrote to me in September 1999. His letter said that the university had had a "15-year partnership with the Abbey through our annual summer course at the theatre".
He added: "If a suitable site is not made available in Ireland, the building should find a home elsewhere where it will be properly appreciated."
It would be a national tragedy if the facade of the old Abbey is not incorporated in the new theatre. If this generation allows the memorable front wall of this historic building to emigrate to the United States, future generations will view us with contempt. - Yours, etc.,
DÁITHI P. HANLY,
(former Dublin City Architect,
Vico Road,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.