Sir, - We were delighted to read of the activities of the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland in 1936 in your "Times Past" column recently. This news item recorded that 59 works of art had been secured for the nation since the society was founded by Sarah Purser in 1924.
We are now pleased to put on record that we have presented over one thousand works of art of various kinds to public collections in all parts of Ireland. We are currently making preparations for an exhibition to take place early in 1999 to commemorate the 75 years during which our society has been devoted to the enrichment of the public collections of our country.
We are grateful to all those who donate works of art and funds to enable us to fulfill our role. - Yours, etc.,
President,
The Friends of the National
Collections of Ireland, c/o The Hugh Lane Municipal
Gallery of Modern Art,
Charlemont House,
Parnell Square,
Dublin 1.