A message to the Ashmolean

Some former 'Barny School' pupils living in Jericho may be old enough to remember a former head teacher of St. Barnabas Infant School, Miss Brucker (Mrs Marion Tilley) who sadly died in February 1996 at the age of 95, and whom those who knew her remember with great affection. Miss Brucker was also an interesting link to a famous painting in the Ashmolean by Charles Allston Collins: "Convent thoughts''. A recent issue of the magazine Ashmolean speculates on the identity of the nun in the picture. One of the most likely candidates is Miss Brucker's grandmother Francis Sarah Ludlow. This painting was given to the museum by Thomas Combe. It is one of a series by artists associated with the Pre-Raphae!ite Brotherhood. Combe's grave at St. Sepulchre's Cemetery is in need of repair. Perhaps the Ashmolean, or the "Friends of the Ashmolean" could return the favour by offering to renovate the grave. I understand the church needs a few bob too.