ART

Paintings in Ireland’s National Gallery are cracking and warping in damp conditions that one museum official called a “national disgrace.” Wildly fluctuating humidity levels because of an antiquated air-conditioning system that can’t properly regulate temperature have left pictures discolored by damp and paint flaking off canvases. Some major pictures, including a Murillo and a Titian, have been removed for restoration. Gallery director Homan Potterton blamed insufficient government funding for the poor condition of the museum.