WELCOME TO THE FORTY FOOT

OH YES - Jack B Yeats

It was bank holiday Monday and we thought a trip to the Science Museum was in order but we were only to be disappointed, the Science Museum decided to take the day off - closed for business.
So the National Gallery of Ireland was the next obvious choice around the corner. Overall it was a good afternoon but let's say the art spoke for itself.
I was reminded of my intrigue for the work of Jack B Yeats, a favourite Irish example from art history in secondary school and it was a pleasure to be gently reminded of the vibrancy he captured and the period of time in Irish life that he encapsulated in this work. Also paintings from Mildred Anne Butler proved an interesting find and a painting of the Irish Industrial Exhibition in 1853 has prompted me to find out more about the event.
However the building and environment were a let down. A ridiculous over complicated entry system and issuing of free entry tickets created a barrier to a natural flow into the space. I thought of the rush I get when I entre the turbine hall, at Tate Modern. The entry propels me forward into an anticipation of what I might find and see once I take to the escalators and jump from floor to floor -  immmediatly I am engaged in the environment and ready to be engaged in the work. It was also very disheartening to see a lot of empty cabinets and both the mezzanine and second floor closed. As I looked around at the visitors most of whom were tourists I was saddened to think that our National Gallery were unable to offer more for them to see but I am sure this is a consequence of many factors.
It was also upsetting to see may of the walls marked with double sided sticky tape where once something was mounted, the saddle boards were black and marked from the over use of a dirty mop, the toilets had cracked grouting and stained floors. Every surface in the building seemed to inappropriately chosen for the space, all of which held the dirt and markings of their everyday use. There is a lot to be said for a clean environment, smooth surfaces, good choice of materials and finish.
However the cafe looked bright and airy and the book store seemed comprehensive with a great section for young people. I actually feel pangs of guilt being so critical of the National Gallery but at the moment the building is looking neglected and uncared for, I think simple steps could make a more positive impact on visitors.