13 JULY 2002, Page 29

Art and the synagogues

From Mr Edgar Astaire Sir: Judith Flanders's review of Sarah MacDougall's book about the painter Mark Gertler (Books, 29 June) was full of fair criticism. However, the point she made that Jews were not encouraged to make graven images is somewhat exaggerated. Over many centuries fine artists in Europe created religious works in books and for the decoration of synagogues, and this became even more widespread in the 20th century.

It would be a pity if the criticisms of the biography should diminish Gertler's status compared with that of his peers at a revolutionary time in the history of British art.

Edgar Astaire

London SW1