Happy Christmas!

…Well… it’s been quite a year, hasn’t it?! 

Thank you all so much for your support since we’ve launched Wright History and our website.

When we were planning this at the beginning of the year, we knew that it would be daunting but exciting. The advent of These Unprecedented Times added all sorts of unexpected elements (understatement ahoy!). Amidst the awfulness, however, some of those unexpected elements were lovely.

Ars Ludendi, The Feast of Christmas, Bedern Hall, 2009

Those of you who have known Robert for some time will know that he can tend to keep his emotional cards to his chest. I, however, have less restraint in that area, so I’m going to shamelessly take advantage of my web-mistress role and let you in on a secret here.

He has been extremely touched by your kind words in emails, notes, and conversation during zoom classes. He found being able to run courses in a new medium to be a lifeline in difficult times, and was glad to see people for whom he had been concerned. But he had no idea that it might also be a lifeline for some of you. That his courses have helped (in however small a way) some of you to retain some sense of normal life is simply wonderful.

Regardless of whether the courses were a lifeline or a mild diversion or entertainment for you, thank you for taking them. Robert is looking forward to seeing you again soon!

In the meantime, we hope that you have a happy Christmas – despite the necessary deviation from your usual Christmas traditions.

The Nativity, with the Virgin and Child watched over by Joseph, in Peter of Poitiers, Compendium historiae in genealogia Christi, England, 1250 X 1260

London, British Library, Add MS 60628/1

Here from: https://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=60885

Our gift unto you is one of my favourite medieval Nativity scenes. I’ve always enjoyed the expressions in this one: Joseph has his traditional “Hmmm… not quite sure what’s going on” face (I know... That’s not the official iconographical interpretation of such Josephs. Nevertheless…); Mary looks exhausted and a bit miffed (probably, I think, because Baby Jesus is almost as big as she is, which must have presented some unpleasant logistical difficulties); and the Baby Jesus seems alarmed by the proximity of a stoned donkey and a scarily wide-eyed ox. Somehow, the consternation of all concerned – especially the ox - seems appropriate for 2020…

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2021 for you all!