Medieval Wayfaring Sussex Art & Manuscripts
Join us for an illustrated talk by Emma Rose Butler.
The talk will last about 40 minutes, followed by a Q and A, book sale/signing of her latest book Finding the Wayfarer: Physical, Spiritual and Poetic Survival.
The Seven Works of Mercy, wall painting, St. George’s, Trotton, Sussex, 14th century
Wayfarers were those who were often disabled, hungry and poor, those who travelled around by foot hoping to rely on the kindness of strangers to survive. The images of the wayfarers have a connection to a local Sussex Norman family called the de Warenne (Lewes priory, the Lewes School of Painters, the Arundel Tomb at Chichester Cathedral), who may have commissioned the illuminated manuscripts where the wayfarers appear. The wall paintings of the Seven Works of Mercy, as seen in Trotton were a form of visual instruction to remind the rich of their religious duty to care for the poor.
Following the publication of her book – Finding the Wayfarer: Physical, Poetic and Spiritual Survival (published on 15 May,2025), this illustrated talk by Emma Rose Barber will be followed by a Q and A and book sale/ signing.
Emma Rose Barber is an art historian and writer. Her first book was 111 Churches in London that you Shouldn’t Miss. She also writes for various magazines including Art and Christianity, Selvedge and the Sussex arts magazine – ROSA. She lives in East Sussex.
Everyone Welcome. Admission is free.
