art
-
With thanks to Ian Churchward. From Ian’s Blog 15th March 2026 An interview with the actor Jack Anthony of Anthony-Hamilton Productions in which he tells about his Prince Richard of Shrewsbury film project. ( not to be confused with the USA actor of the same name who was born in California ) 1.…
-
Later this year, in 2026, the Bayeux Tapestry will be on loan from France to the UK and displayed at the British Museum. Did you know though that the UK has its very own, almost exact, replica created by an industrious group of Victorian women? It can be found in Reading Museum, only half an hour…
-
Anthony the Great (c. 12 January 251 – 17 January 356) was a Christian monk from Egypt, revered since his death as a saint. He is also known as the Father of All Monks. The biography of Anthony’s life by Athanasius of Alexandria helped to spread the concept of Christian monasticism. He is often erroneously considered…
-
Oh, I do get tired of all this Richard II bashing. Here’s the latest to spoil my morning tea: https://tinyurl.com/spr5me98. It’s as stupid as all the Richard III bashing. Yes, the Wilton Diptych (see above) is a picture of Richard II as a child, and yes, it seems to have been commissioned when he was…
-
Later this year the Bayeux Tapestry will be coming to London on loan from France for the first time in almost a millennium. It is believed to have been fashioned by English embroiderers (it’s not really a Tapestry, but an Embroidery) possibly in Canterbury. It was probably commissioned by Archbishop Odo, the brother of William…
-
With permission of Kim Harding A last-minute change of speaker meant the frosty weather chimed perfectly with Kim Harding’s talk on ‘Medieval Winter’ on Monday 18th November 2025. Our centrally-heated homes and internet-driven prep for Xmas can’t compare to the hardships endured by medieval folk: a poor harvest, limited food storage and bitter cold meant…
-
Today is St Andrew’s Day, 30th November. St Andrew was one of Jesus’ apostles. and is also the patron saint of Scotland and other countries like Romania and Greece. His feast day celebrates him as one of Jesus’s first disciples and is marked by cultural celebrations in Scotland, whose national flag is the saltire, a…
-
When a medieval craftsman was denied his wages, he turned to stone to exact his revenge in a way that would echo through centuries. Atop Freiburg Minster resides a notorious gargoyle that serves a dual purpose: not only does it effectively channel rainwater, but it also embodies a spirit of defiance. According to historical accounts,…
-
Since most people were unable to read, mediaeval drinking houses/pubs used colourful pictorial signs, leading on from the ‘ale-stake,’ a vertical or horizontal pole hung outside such establishments to show that fresh ale was available. This was a continuation of a Roman practice of using ivy or vine leaves to indicate a place that sold…
-
Imagine someone donating the above work of art to a charity shop, which then sells it for a mere £20. Then imagine finding out it could well have a strong connection to Robert the Bruce! This is where imagination is jettisoned, because it has really happened. You can read all about it at this link…
The New Murrey and Blue blog 