Minutes of board meeting held on 9th April 1976

Minutes of a board meeting held on 9th April 1976 in which the following was discussed: Professor G.F. Mitchell, the new President of the Royal Irish Academy, was welcomed to the board. Dr Leydon resigned from the board. A report was given by the Director regarding the payment of the frescoes now in the Gallery, and suggested the reconstruction of Room 1A to showcase the frescoes and early pictures. Mr E.A. McGuire and Mr Terence De Vere White were re-elected as Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively. 31 portraits from Malahide Castle were purchased, which were loaned back to the Castle. The Director was instructed to bid on three paintings at the Malahide auction, one by J.M. Wright and two portraits of Sir Neil O'Neile and Lady O'Neile. 17 portraits by Hugh Douglas Hamilton were purchased [NGI 4172-4183]. The Gallery accepted items on loan, and approved two loan requests. An Taisce was given permission to use the lecture theatre, and the Irish Exhibition of Living Art was approved to be held in the Gallery. Two concerts and two receptions were sanctioned. The Director was authorised to represent the Gallery on the Sir Alfred Beit Foundation and to engage an official photographer for the Gallery. The Shaw Fund and Lane Fund were discussed.