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Sister Wendy Beckett, TV art historian, dies at 88 | Sister Wendy Beckett, TV art historian, dies at 88 |
(about 1 hour later) | |
TV art historian and nun Sister Wendy Beckett has died at the age of 88, it has been announced. | TV art historian and nun Sister Wendy Beckett has died at the age of 88, it has been announced. |
In the 1990s she became one of the most unlikely television stars. | In the 1990s she became one of the most unlikely television stars. |
Emerging from her hermit-like existence in a caravan at a Carmelite convent in Norfolk, she hosted unscripted BBC shows from galleries across the world. | Emerging from her hermit-like existence in a caravan at a Carmelite convent in Norfolk, she hosted unscripted BBC shows from galleries across the world. |
Born in South Africa, Sister Wendy moved as a child to Edinburgh, where her father studied medicine, joining a convent when she was 16. | Born in South Africa, Sister Wendy moved as a child to Edinburgh, where her father studied medicine, joining a convent when she was 16. |
She died at 14:30 GMT at the Carmelite Monastery in Quidenham. | She died at 14:30 GMT at the Carmelite Monastery in Quidenham. |
BBC director of arts Jonty Claypole paid tribute, saying Sister Wendy had "a unique presentation style, a deep knowledge of and passion for the arts". | |
He added: "She was a hugely popular BBC presenter and will be fondly remembered by us all." | |
In 1950 Sister Wendy's order sent her to Oxford University, where she lodged in a convent, and was awarded a Congratulatory First Class degree in English literature. | |
She returned to South Africa in 1954 to teach, but in 1970, with her health deteriorating, the Vatican gave permission for her to pursue a life of solitude and prayer. | |
After obtaining permission to study art in the 1980s - largely through books and postcard reproductions of the great works obtained from galleries - Sister Wendy decided to write a book to earn money for her convent. | After obtaining permission to study art in the 1980s - largely through books and postcard reproductions of the great works obtained from galleries - Sister Wendy decided to write a book to earn money for her convent. |
Contemporary Women Artists, published in 1988, was followed by more books and articles. | Contemporary Women Artists, published in 1988, was followed by more books and articles. |
In 1991 the BBC commissioned her to present a television documentary on the National Gallery in London. | In 1991 the BBC commissioned her to present a television documentary on the National Gallery in London. |
Dressed in black nun's habit, Sister Wendy stood in front of paintings, and without script or autocue discussed them to the camera. | Dressed in black nun's habit, Sister Wendy stood in front of paintings, and without script or autocue discussed them to the camera. |
Her programmes included Odyssey, Sister Wendy's Grand Tour and Sister Wendy's Story of Painting. | Her programmes included Odyssey, Sister Wendy's Grand Tour and Sister Wendy's Story of Painting. |