asked the Minister for Education whether a statue of George Bernard Shaw is now in a concealed position in the National Gallery, and, if so, if he will arrange for its public display.
Questions— Oral Answers. - Display of Shaw Statue.
I am informed that there are three likenesses of George Bernard Shaw in the National Gallery, a painted portrait and two sculptures and that since 1950-51, when the Gallery was redecorated, the portrait and one or other of the sculptures have been on exhibition. Exigencies of space do not permit of the two sculptures being on exhibition simultaneously.
The matter is one for the Board of Governors and Guardians of the National Gallery.
Is it not a fact that one of the pieces of statuary is by a very famous sculptor? Apart from the fact that it is a likeness of Shaw, it has a very considerable artistic value. In view of the fact that one of the express wishes of this very eminent Irishman before his death was that his statue should be displayed publicly in his native city outside the Municipal Art Gallery and, remembering how few statues of Dublin men are extant in Dublin City, would the Minister consider having this statue exhibited publicly in the open air?
Would the Minister consider having it sent for scrap?
I am not aware of the matters referred to by Deputy Dunne. As far as the portrait and sculptures in the possession of the National Gallery are concerned, this is a matter for the governors and guardians.
It might be desirable to point out to Deputy Giles that this Shaw has no connection with Shaw's bacon or anything like that. He was a writer.