Portrait of Lady Margaret on display at the National Portrait Gallery
The painting, owned by St John’s, underwent a process of conservation that began in 2018 after Dr Andrew Chen, Art Historian, discovered the portrait was painted by 16th century artist Meynnart Wewyck. During the restoration process it was discovered that Lady Margaret’s original facial expression in the portrait had been painted over and changed to be made more ‘pious and sombre’ in keeping with the public image of her after her death – her expression has now been returned to the repose intended by the original artist.
The portrait of Lady Margaret Beaufort is now the centrepiece of the exhibition of images in the Tudor Gallery of the National Portrait Gallery, which has just reopened after a £41 million revamp.
Dean honoured with doctorate
The Rev’d Canon Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Chapel and Fellow at St John’s College, has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Chester in recognition of his championing of education and human rights.
An accomplished author and public speaker, Dr Oakley has been called ‘one of the most distinctive, intelligent and refreshing voices in the Church of England’ by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Williams. He has written eight books on the areas of poetry, literature and theology.
In July it was announced that he has been appointed Dean of Southwark and he will leave St John’s for his new role in London in December.
New method for 3D printing metal
Dr Matteo Seita, Granta Design Assistant Professor at Cambridge’s Department of Engineering and Fellow of St John’s College, has led a research team that has developed a new method for 3D printing metal that could help reduce costs and make more efficient use of resources. The method allows structural modifications to be ‘programmed’ into metal alloys during 3D printing, fine-tuning their properties without the ‘heating and beating’ process that’s been in use for thousands of years.
You can read the full report in Nature Communications.
Honoured Alumni
Two Johnians were recognised in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours List 2023.
Jacqueline ‘Jay’ Hunt (1985) is a television executive, working as Creative Director, Worldwide Video, Europe for Apple Inc. She was made Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Arts.
John Johnson (1979), lately Chief Executive Officer, Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the Maritime Industry.
Upcoming events
• London Christmas Drinks – Tuesday 5 December 2023, London
. Johnian Society at Sadler’s Wells – Thursday 11 January 2024, London
. Meet the Master in Hong Kong – Monday 8 April 2024, Hong Kong
. MA Lunch – Saturday 18 May, College
. Sunday on the Backs – Sunday 7 July 2024, College
. Johnian Society Day – Saturday 28 September, College
Visit our events webpages for more information.
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