Sister Wendy Beckett, a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and a consecrated virgin, gained popularity in the 1990s and early 21st century with her books and TV programs on art and art history. She was educated at Oxford University and spent most of her life in contemplation and prayer, but also translated medieval manuscripts and studied art history. Sister Wendy made 11 TV shows and wrote over 25 books on art, religion, meditation, and prayer. She returned to a life of solitude and meditation in 2001, but her legacy in the art world remains.
Sister Wendy Beckett is one of the UK’s leading art experts. She is a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and recognized by the Catholic Church as a consecrated virgin as well as a nun. Sister Wendy gained popularity in the 1990s and early 21st century with her series of books and public television programs on art and art history.
Born in South Africa in 1930, Wendy Beckett grew up in Scotland and began her training as a nun in England at the age of 16. She was educated at the all-women’s college of Oxford University and was awarded the highest diploma, called congratulations first, in English literature. While in the convent and away from her studies, the young nun kept a strict vow of silence and led a largely ascetic lifestyle.
After receiving her teaching diploma in 1954, Sister Wendy worked as a teacher in South Africa for many years. Returning to England in 1970, she began a hermetic and contemplative life. Most of her time was spent in contemplation and prayer, but she allowed herself a few hours each day to work translating medieval manuscripts and study her growing passion for art history and art.
Sister Wendy first came to public attention in 1991 when she was featured in a short film about England’s National Gallery. With her gentle lisp and her insightful lessons, she has quickly gained a following among television viewers. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) quickly ordered several television series to feature the “art nun” as she traveled across Britain and much of the world, discussing important works of art.
Between 1996 and 2001, Sister Wendy made 11 television shows dealing with art, history and even her own life. These shows gained popularity throughout Britain and Europe, and eventually gained a large American following after being broadcast on public television. The television shows covered all kinds of artistic subjects, from historically significant stained glass, to his final program on American artwork.
The art nun has also written a variety of books, covering many topics. While some of her, including her most famous publication Sister Wendy’s 1000 Masterpieces, deal with her own artistic expertise, she has also written extensively on religion, meditation, and prayer. Her written work now consists of more than 25 books, as well as numerous contributions to art journals.
Since ending her media career in 2001, the nun has returned to a life of solitude and meditation. She is considered by many to be a model of intelligence, dedication and kindness. In 2007, a musical loosely based on her life called Postcards from God premiered in London with her blessings. Despite her refusal to return to the media world, Sister Wendy’s uncanny ability to explain the history and details of art in a simple and accessible way has left a powerful legacy in the art world.
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