Today’s correspondents discuss Titian at The McManus, ship-to-ship oil transfer, wildlife and webcams, and the late Jimmy Reid, while one reader apologises for any upset her previous letter may have caused.
Has Dundee displayed Titian to best effect? Sir, Aren’t we lucky to have a stunning painting such as the Titian in Dundee well at least I think we are lucky.
I am not too sure though, as the painting has been hung and lit in such a way that prevents it being seen as the spectacular work it is.
Your two recently published photographs, with the Lord Provost and subsequently with the Culture Secretary, illustrate this clearly with the light of the spots above the painting obscuring large areas of the surface.
Having gone along to see the painting and raised the issue with staff who said that the curators from the national collection were responsible I was assured that something would be done.
Sadly, as of today (Wednesday) the painting is still obscured.
Never mind, I suppose I can always go to London to see it in all its splendid glory as Dundee seems incapable of dong anything about this sad misuse of a great opportunity.
It does not bear thinking about what might happen to exhibits in the proposed V&A if this is how art is treated.
By the way, the Victorian gallery with its natural light has a superb exhibition and is a great space, but it was too inconvenient to rehang paintings there to make use of that wonderful area to really show off the Titian.
John Davidson.Caesar Avenue,Carnoustie.
Oil transfer system safe
Sir, As a 72-year-old former Royal Navy rating having served on the cruiser HMS Sheffield, I came across old photographs, one of which was ship-to-ship refuelling while steaming along in open sea.
This was a common procedure throughout the world in order to keep the ships at sea, so why all the ballyhoo now about stationary transfer? This process is controlled by pipes and valves, open and closed. To compare this with the Gulf of Mexico disaster is absolutely ridiculous.
Ernest B. Ripley.Goldenacre,Doune.
Time for reflection
Sir, In my letter to your paper (August 5) I feel I was a little unfair about local churches and their attitudes regarding the recent deaths of young people in Dundee.
These tragedies can make one feel angry and that someone should do something. I realise that it is not always as simple as that.
My apologies to any of your readers who were upset by my comments.
Angela Rennie.88 Muirfield Crescent,Dundee.
Bringing wildlife to the people
Sir, I rarely disagree with Jim Crumley’s observations about the natural world, but was surprised by some of the content in his column (August 10).
The practice of placing cameras into nests is mainly for the purpose of protecting the osprey eggs. It also gives us an insight into the daily lives and struggles of these wonderful birds.
I have gained much pleasure and knowledge in a few weeks watching the Loch of the Lowes webcam.
I am lucky enough to be in a position to visit the reserve if I want, but many others cannot too far to travel, no transport or indeed, some may be housebound.
So as much as I am sure they would like to, many folk cannot physically get out to watch nature in the raw as Mr Crumley urges. And if we want to name the birds, is there any harm in that?
Better being slightly fanciful and emotional about nature than destroying it with snares and traps, poisoning birds of prey, stealing protected birds eggs and poaching. The list goes on.
The knowledge of the excellent and more than capable staff at Loch of the Lowes is second to none. No question goes unanswered and their love of nature is obvious and they are as intrigued as I am about the complex lives of the ospreys and indeed any migratory bird.
In an ideal world, we all would have access to the joys of nature around us but alas we are not all as fortunate as Jim Crumley.
Marjorie Edgar.1 Caldwell Acre,Kingskettle.
Death of heroof working class
Sir, Jimmy Reid will be remembered as the last true hero of the working class, a proud trade unionist, a caring and thoughtful human being but a man who did not mince his words.
A few years ago he described the betrayal of workers’ rights by Labour leaders Tony Blair and Gordon Brown as taking the union’s money while spitting in their faces.
Most Scots will remember Jimmy Reid for leading the work-in to save the Upper Clyde Shipyards, saying these famous words, “Nobody and nothing will come in and nothing will go out without our permission. And there will be no hooliganism, there will be no vandalism, there will be no bevvying because the world is watching us.”
Jimmy Reid’s journey through life will hopefully inspire future generations of Scots that you do not have to sacrifice your principles, be it personal or political, to succeed.
His passing is a reminder to the present political generation, especially Westminster politicians, that in seeking and encouraging personal gain, you end up creating a culture of indifference to those who are disadvantaged most.
Jimmy Reid will be missed.
Malcolm McCandless.40 Muirfield Crescent,Dundee.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.