Ireland’s National Gallery is blending style and common sense with the release of a “unique” set of face masks based on paintings in its collection.
As of today, the gallery is selling face masks featuring masterpieces by national and international artists.
The reusable masks are available to buy online at nationalgallery.ie – and at just €13.50, the masks promise to be a game-changer when it comes to that trip to the supermarket.
The colourful garments come in four designs and offer fashion-lovers facewear that takes inspiration from the finest art around.
The gallery started thinking about releasing its own line in masks way back in May, National Gallery shop manager Jean Lambe told the Irish Mirror.
“During the month of May, word started spreading that wearing face masks was going to become a requirement and would be the norm,” she said.
“We started to see many different kinds of face masks appearing for sale online with interesting patterns and designs.
“We then began to think about producing face masks unique to the Gallery.”
The four works of art set to cover faces around the country are the products of Claude Monet as well as Irish artists Mainie Jellett, Roderic O’Conor and William John Leech.
They come in a gallery-branded pouch, Lambe said – “perfect for carrying in your bag or pocket so you always have a mask handy!”
The masks got a shout-out from no less than Ryan Tubridy this morning, when the RTE star name-dropped them on his radio show.
The masks also featured on Tubs’ Instagram this morning – with the Dubliner hailing the artworks’ move “from gallery to gob”.
Lambe said the idea behind the moving the chosen paintings from frame to face came from “their popularity with the public”.
The gallery has made every effort to make sure that the paintings were accurately portrayed on the masks – so if you’re an art buff, never fear.
