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Press Release, November 2004 "1854-2004
The Story of the National Gallery of Ireland" In writing this first full narrative history of the National Gallery of Ireland, Peter Somerville-Large, distinguished author and journalist, was given access to the Gallery's rich archive of minute books, letters and correspondence. The result is a stimulating warm human story of the trials and difficulties of those early enthusiasts in trying to provide Ireland with a national gallery which would do justice to the country's cultural life. With their strong personalities, diverse opinions and limited resources the only thing that at times kept them together was a determination to make it succeed. Somerville-Large has supplemented the official archive material with copious use of reports and quotations from the newspapers of the day. The result is a colourful broad canvas view of a period in our history when Ireland was moving away from an imperial culture to an awakening of its own national identity. While this was more strongly evident in Irish literature he shows how the growth of the National Gallery gave a new stimulus to the study of Irish art and the work of Irish artists who had painted outside of Ireland, whilst providing access to the great heritage of European art. Throughout its history, the National Gallery of Ireland has been extremely fortunate both in the richness of its artistic bequests and the dedication of its staff. Great benefactors such as The Countess of Milltown, George Bernard Shaw, Sir Alfred and Lady Beit, Maire MacNeill Sweeney and Sir Denis Mahon have been woven into this cultural tapestry. Somerville-Large also traces the long line of Directors; George Mulvany, Henry Doyle, Walter Armstrong, Hugh Lane, Robert Langton Douglas, Lucius O'Callaghan, Thomas Bodkin, George Furlong, James White, Homan Potterton, and their contribution to the development of the building and its collection up to the present day. They had to work with Board members, often strong personalities in their own right, who might disagree with them or intrigue against each other. For the first time, the reader is given the background to how the Gallery came to build a world renowned collection which today includes masterpieces by Uccello, Caravaggio, Poussin, Vermeer, Rubens, Velázquez, Reynolds, among others. Even constructing the first Dargan building, now one of four wings, was a lengthy process, and Somerville-Large gives a lively account of this chapter in the history of the Gallery, from the Board's discussions on the designs for the building and the architects involved to preparations for the grand opening on 30 January in 1864. The Millennium Wing, which opened in January 2002, is but the latest development in the Gallery's building history. It is the most ambitious extension to date and provides visitors with dedicated spaces for international visiting exhibitions, new archive and research accommodation with a focus on Irish art, and more enhanced visitor facilities such as Shop and Restaurant. In the words of Raymond Keaveney, current Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, the entire edifice and its rich artistic collection is beyond the wildest dreams of that small committee of people, who under the inspiration of William Dargan, got the whole story started 150 Years ago. The book, '1854-2004 The Story of the National Gallery of Ireland' was commissioned from Peter Somerville-Large by the Gallery's Board of Governor's and Guardians and has been published to coincide with the Gallery's sesquicentenary celebrations. Lavishly illustrated throughout, it is the most complete account of the Gallery to be published to date. Available from the Gallery Shop (€49.95, hardback only) and all other major bookstores around the country. Contact:
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