SUNDAY 22 January

I went to the 10.30 at Emmanuel, Rosalyn as usual was playing the organ and there was some lovely music and singing.

Afterwards I had a quick sandwich at home then joined up with a few of  Emmanuel's Adult Interest Group members at the Museum and Art Gallery  situated on the campus of St Gregory's University.

It was the last day of this particular exhibition.

A school party was expected a bit later in the afternoon so we went to the main gallery before looking at the Nativity etchings and engravings.

 I was taken with this painting of the Madonna and Child.  I don't know if you can see it but there is a goldfinch in the hand of the child. The notice below explains the significance of the goldfinch.  I shall always look for it now in paintings of the Christ Child.

 

After looking at the paintings and artefacts in the main gallery, including some from China - I thought perhaps it is not surprising Marie gets upset when she sees them, there can't be many left in China - we moved on to the Exhibition.   The woodcuts and engravings were so finely detailed they were incredible.  I picked up a magnifying glass and went in search of goldfinches among them, and I found one.

It might be difficult to make out from a photograph but it is there.

I had never appreciated the importance of mathematics in art.  

It was a very pleasant excursion.  I left intending to go and see 'The Iron Lady' a bit later in the afternoon.  I have already arranged to see it with Bruce and Rosalyn on the 3rd February, which is the earliest date they are both free, but I don't mind seeing it twice.  And although it is unlikely, there is a possibility it won't still be showing on the 3rd February.

But when I got home and settled down for a little while I didn't feel like going out again.  I will ring Pattisue tomorrow and see if she feels well enough to go, and would like to.