Art Lecture by the Bishop of St Albans

The Rt. Rev. Christopher Herbert, Bishop of St Albans

Art Lecture
by
The Bishop of St Albans

To be given in St Matthew's Church, Oxhey, on Tuesday March 9^th 2004 at 7:45pm

The Rt. Rev. Christopher Herbert's popular lecture on 'The image of Resurrection in mediaeval European Art' is Illustrated by over 50 images of artworks. In it he:

Gives a brief introduction to the 'reading' of paintings
Explores the surprisingly rare depictions of the Resurrection of Christ from the period, drawing in other Christian scenes as he progresses
Examines the rich and sometimes complex relationship between Christian art and the theology of the Mass during the mediaeval period
Provides expert commentary on the images themselves

The lecture, which last about 60 minutes, will be followed by questions.

Admission £5 including refreshments.

The Video

The Bishop's lecture is now available on video in DVD and VHS formats. Copies may be purchased on the night. They can also be obtained by calling 01727 853305 or by emailing Andy Crooks: chaplain@stalbans.anglican.org. The 60 minute video version of the lecture features an original commentary supported by static images of the artworks. Please note The DVD and VHS videos offered contain no moving video.

DVD (Region 2) priced at 12.50 GBP

VHS (PAL) videotape priced at 10.00 GBP

Christopher Herbert

Bishop Christopher's interest in, indeed, passion for art, and in particular the depiction of the Christian Faith in art, was afforded an opportunity for expression late in 2000 when he committed a three month sabbatical leave to research on the image of the Resurrection in 15th Century Northern European Art. His thesis, the first known to address this specific area of art history, is now complete, and he has been awarded an M.Phil by the University of Leicester.

He has established himself as an authority in the field of medieval Christian art, and his lectures and addresses on the image of the Resurrection and other more specific areas such as the Isenheim Altarpiece are in increasing demand. He has given two lectures at the invitation of the National Gallery and has lectured in other locations including Westminster Abbey and the Christian Institute as well as giving papers in Leicester.

He is now extending his research on the image of the Resurrection beyond the medieval period, to include, for example, catacomb wall paintings from the patristic period to modern interpretations.

Bishop Christopher was consecrated a bishop in November 1995 and enthroned as Bishop of St Albans in January 1996. Born in Lydney in the Forest of Dean, he was educated at Monmouth School and read Biblical Studies and Philosophy at the University of Wales, Lampeter. In 1967 after attending Wells Theological College and obtaining a P.G.C.E at the University of Bristol, he served as Curate at St Paul's, Tupsley in Herefordshire. During this period he taught religious education in a local Church secondary school and later became RE Adviser and Diocesan Director of Education. He was made a Prebendary of Hereford Cathedral in 1977.

In 1981 he became Vicar of The Bourne, near Farnham in Surrey. In addition, he was appointed as Director of Post-Ordination training in the diocese of Guildford and made a Canon of the Cathedral, becoming Archdeacon of Dorking in 1990.

Bishop Christopher entered the House of Lords in early December 1999 and has established himself as a speaker in the areas of health and medical ethics.

Christopher Herbert is married to Jan and the couple have two married sons, Robin and James. Christopher and Jan recently became grandparents to Emily, daughter of Robin and Kerry.