Protester chains herself to National Gallery over sale of valuable collection

A woman who is chaining herself to the railings of the National Art Gallery says the Beit Collection needs to be kept in Ireland as an inspiration for artists.

The "old master" paintings, worth millions of euro, are currently on display in Wicklow's Russborough House, but they are due to be auctioned at Christie’s in London to raise funds for the upkeep of the stately home.

The collection was gifted to the Irish people and there has been a public backlash since the foundation responsible for it announced their intention to sell.

Elena Hughes earlier explained why she has chosen to tie herself up outside the National Gallery.

"I happen to be in possession … of an art journal from 1907, and I was astonished at the standard. It hurts me to think that our standards have fallen so low," she said.

"If we lose such precious pieces, the standards are going to fall even lower. I'm really concerned about that – we really need something to look up to."