Sister Wendy Beckett: The Remarkable Art Critic in a Windowless Trailer
The Story of Sister Wendy Beckett
Meet Sister Wendy Beckett, a delightful, highly intelligent, and sensitive lady who, despite a life of prayer and living within vows of poverty, became a famous BBC presenter known for her art history expertise.
Discovering the Correspondence
I met Sister Wendy through my work with a small fine art publisher called the Pallas Gallery in the early 1980s. My role involved dealing with the correspondence from private purchasers, and among them, Sister Wendy's letters stood out.
Regular Enquiries and Letters
Throughout the year, Sister Wendy would enquire about our collection about six times a year. She sought details of various prints and prices and often included a postal order for some of our collection of around 1,400 different postcards. Her letters were enjoyable, filled with her interesting, well-informed, and joyful views on what she liked.
The Crucifixion Print Inquiry
One particular recurring theme in Sister Wendy's letters was her progress towards saving enough to purchase a print of the Crucifixion. She was clearly willing to make a significant ask for a print that retailed for around ￡16.80, considering the vows of poverty she was living within.
A Personal Visit
One day, Sister Wendy came in person with another lady to support her moving around London with limited vision. I was surprised by her very thick glasses, despite her mentioning in her letters that her eyesight was poor.
Selection and Enthusiasm
She spent hours carefully going through the postcard drawers, delightedly making her selections. Her boundless enthusiasm and willingness to share her immense knowledge of art were notable. The Managing Director (MD) of the company, Frank, was impressed and spent time with her, discussing art and pulling a separate pile of postcards bigger than the one she selected.
A Fair Deal for All
At the end of her visit, Sister Wendy questioned the total cost with some doubt, asking if she had enough. Frank suggested they treat it as a trade purchase and asked if a pound an inch seemed fair. This wasn't a measure used before or after, but the ruling included all the images Frank had pulled out that she liked, as well as the long-saved-for print that she could afford.
Enthusiasm and Artistic Knowledge
Sister Wendy's sheer enthusiasm and willingness to share her immense knowledge of and joy in what she was seeing was the reason for this fair deal. Her background in prayer and vows of poverty, combined with her great intelligence and diligence, made her a remarkable art critic.
Legacy and Influence
Sister Wendy Beckett’s Discovery and Success,
Sister Wendy Beckett, who discovered the world of art history by writing letters to a small fine art publisher, eventually became a renowned BBC presenter. Her journey from a nun living in a windowless trailer to a celebrated art historian is a testament to her boundless enthusiasm and dedication.
The Question Behind the Success
The question often asked is, how did Sister Wendy have such a vast knowledge of art despite praying for 8 hours daily in a windowless trailer? The answer lies in her boundless enthusiasm, combined with her intelligence and diligence. She immersed herself in art, picking and packing postcards, and eventually her love for art grew into a professional career.
Key Takeaways
1. Enthusiasm is Key: Her unwavering passion for art guided her through her journey. 2. Intelligence and Diligence: Despite her vows of poverty, her intelligence and diligence were at the core of her success. 3. Value of Art: The intrinsic value of art in her life supported her journey.
Conclusion
The story of Sister Wendy Beckett is a fascinating blend of faith, passion, and art. The letters from Quidenham, which I recall with fondness, are a testament to her enduring grace and talent. She lived a life of simplicity and devotion, yet her contributions to art history are immense.