HC Deb 12 November 1931 vol 259 cc265-6
44. Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will install suitable artificial light for use during the day to remedy the defects in the lighting of the rooms added last year to the National Gallery for displaying paintings by early Italian masters?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

Artificial light has already been installed in the Duveen room as part of the larger scheme of lighting at the National Gallery to permit of evening opening. I had better add that in the interests of national economy it has been decided to postpone evening opening, and, consequently, no further expenditure is at present being incurred on installing artificial light.

Mr. E. T. CAMPBELL

Is there any use in displaying pictures which cannot be seen owing to the faulty light?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

In this room there is artificial light.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of opening these galleries in the evening?

Mr. SPEAKER

That matter does not arise on this question.

49. Mr. CAMPBELL

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the lighting scheme of the lately erected western rooms at the National Gallery, containing early Italian pictures, has proved to be a failure, as the public cannot see the pictures owing to Jack of daylight; and will he obtain expert advice as to whether the structure of the rooms should be remodelled, or whether the daylight lighting of these rooms can be brought up to the standard of the rest of the National Gallery?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I am aware that the lighting has been criticised, but the illumination of art galleries is a difficult subject and there are various opinions as to what constitutes proper lighting. The gallery was erected in accordance with plans and a model approved by the Trustees and the donor, Sir Joseph Duveen. The decorative treatment also was settled directly by the donor in consultation with the Trustees. I regret that I am not in a position, having regard to the need for national economy, at present to authorise further public expenditure on altering the gallery.