Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby chooses Newbury artist's work for his personal Christmas card

A PAINTING by Newbury artist Paul Forsey has been chosen by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby for his personal 2021 Christmas card.

The image, entitled Visitors from the East, depicts the visit of the three kings to Jesus, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, shortly after his birth in Bethlehem.

The Archbishop’s Christmas card is sent to a large number of people from many different backgrounds and locations, including world religious leaders, politicians, social leaders and young people.

Visitors from the East is from a series of 24 gouache and watercolour paintings about the life of Jesus; 12 of which are currently on display at Lambeth Palace to celebrate Advent. The exhibition of devotional works continues until January 22.

Paul said: "“I hope that the joy and optimism that I strived to instil into each painting remains undimmed. I am delighted to be able to share these images of hope and brightness with a new audience at Lambeth Palace this Advent, particularly after the darkness that has touched so many of our lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The paintings have been published in a book, The Life of Jesus Through the Eyes of an Artist, and nationally exhibited at many significant locations including York Minster, Winchester, Wells and Lincoln Cathedrals. Originally commissioned by the Diocese of Oxford, the purpose of the series was to offer young people, who might be exploring the stories of Jesus for the first time, a new interpretation of faith through painting

Of Paul’s work, Mr Welby said: “God has given Paul such remarkable gifts of creating beauty. We are so grateful to be able to benefit from them and pray that many would be drawn to the subject of these pictures; Jesus Christ - the most beautiful gift of all”.