READING Jean O'Donnells letter regarding the Brian Hatton Gallery it was unclear what her main point was.

The demise of the permanent gallery, the graffiti defacing it, the neglect of public buildings or the fact that an important artist had willingly given his life in a futile action at Gallipolli.

During the 1970s, I was a practising artist working in Hereford City and because of my work I met and became friends with Marjorie Hatton.

We corresponded until her death in 1981. She was a remarkable and really unforgettable Edwardian lady,.

Her character is enshrined and preserved in the collection of letters I have of hers.

Her raison detr was the creation of a permanent gallery to house the works of her brother Brian.

She lived and breathed its completion and this was finally achieved through the efforts of herself and a dedicated army of helpers.

A biography of Brian Hatton was published shortly before the gallery opened.

I have no memory of what events came about to cause the closure of the gallery but I feel uncomfortable when I think what Marjorie Hatton would feel if she could look down and see what has happened in only a short space of time after her death.

My letter isn't a hagiography of Brian's work but I think the public should have access to his work as a reminder that not all art is obscure, self indulgent or fashionably esoteric.

ROBERT GORE,

Holmer Parish, Hereford