WHEN a photographer, Paul Seawright, recently spoke to an audience of the Art College in the Hatton Gallery, did he know that the room had displayed the work of Brian Hatton until three years ago?
He would not have known that Brian Hatton's sister contributed funds for this building and his pictures as a permanent memorial to him. I hope it was in the evening or Mr Seawright may have been appalled to see the insulting graffiti that adorn the outside rear walls of the gallery. They were noticed by the president of the Royal Institute of British Architects when he came here last year.He showed a slide in his lecture demonstrating how Hereford neglects and insults its public buildings.
It is bad enough that the gallery has been closed together with the museum but Brian Hatton, a First World War hero, deserves better from our community. No doubt the young who display their artistic talents on buildings have no thought for the artist whose work has vanished and who gave his life for his country. It is up to those who know to let the young understand the injury it causes and to have the offending daubs removed.
Churchill House has at last been painted after many years and looks ready to be handed back to the city for a heritage museum instead of being used by the College of Art. There are plenty of local items of beauty and interest in store that could be on view.
JEAN O'DONNELL,
Broadlands Lane, Hereford.
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