The art historian, Catholic nun was 88

Every time she opened her mouth, Sister Wendy Beckett made me happy.

Like Thomas Becket centuries before, Sister Wendy Beckett devoted her life to the Church of Rome. But she also gave the gift of art appreciation to millions who watched her on television in the 1990s, first in a series called Odyssey, and later in the History of Painting.

I would often stumble upon her programs while channel surfing, but I was always glad I stuck around to see what she happened to be discussing at that particular moment.

Do yourself a favor and start watching this first episode from the History of Painting (1996.)

I never knew much about her other than her TV programs. Like for instance, she lived in a camping trailer, what in England is called a caravan, on the grounds of a monastery in Norfolk.

For those interested in learning more, here is the BBC’s official obituary