asked the Minister for Finance who is legal owner of the stained glass window by Evie Hone, known as the Four Green Fields: and, if it is owned by the State, whether it is proposed to dispose it so that it may be more readily accessible to viewing by the general public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ownership of Stained Glass Window.
The window is the property of the Commissioners of Public Works. The question of a permanent setting for the window has been examined on numerous occasions but because of its size — it measures 21 feet high by eight feet wide — no suitable location has so far been found for it.
Is there any question of disposing of this window or has it been shelved for all time?
The commissioners want a suitable place for it and so far they have not found one.
Seemingly this particular window was the one referred to in the song.
What about the four green fields of inspectors?
If there is such a lack of appreciation of this very great work of art by the Minister and by the Government, would they consider disposing of it to people who will appreciate it and expose it so that it may be seen by the public?
There is no such lack of appreciation. It is the physical difficulty of finding a place for it in which it will fit. The commissioners are still engaged in searching for a suitable place.
Why was it commissioned in the first instance if the people who commissioned it had nowhere to put it?
The Deputy knows that it was commissioned for exhibition in New York.
And it was then to be suppressed by the Revenue Commissioners?
I take it that it was designed for a specific purpose in New York. Having served that purpose, the commissioners are now trying to find a suitable place for it.
For how many years have they been trying to find a place for it?
I take it that there are other persons whose judgment, as well as that of Deputy Dr. Browne, counts in this matter. The commissioners have made an honest effort to get a permanent and suitable building in which to place this window but have so far failed. That is the simple answer to all the Deputy's questions.