Old Rutland Square

Artist William John Leech (1881 - 1968)

Date1928-34

MediumOil on board

Dimensions36.8 x 45.8 cm

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineCollection & image © Hugh Lane Gallery. Donated by Professor Denis Gwynn, 1963. © The Estate of William John Leech.

Object number1204

DescriptionThree works exhibited by William Leech at the Royal Hibernian Academy exhibitions of 1929, 1934 and 1935 were Parnell Square; The Shelter, Parnell Square; and 7 Parnell Square. Formerly known as Rutland Square this view of Parnell Square shows Charlemont House partially visible in the right background. The work was probably painted by Leech during one of his return visits to Dublin between 1928 and 1934. The area was one that Leech knew well as he grew up at 47 Parnell Square and his father worked at the Registry of Deeds, located in Charlemont House. Following years of controversy, the artist Sarah Purser put forward the suggestion to the then Taoiseach, William T. Cosgrave T.D. that the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art move from Harcourt Street to Charlemont House. The proposal was responded to positively and the City architect Horace O’Rorke designed a rear extension to Charlemont House. In 1933 the Gallery was officially opened by President Eamon de Valera.

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