About this objectDr Fortesque (1874 - 1923) came as a Missionary Rector in 1907 to organise Roman Catholic services in a shed in the new Letchworth Garden City. He helped to pay for the Garden City's first Catholic church building, which opened in Pixmore Way in 1908. Fortesque was not just any ordinary parish priest he was also a renowned scholar who achieved a rare triple doctorate in Divinity and Philosophy. He travelled widely across Europe and the Middle East and was reputed to be able to speak an amazing 11 languages. As well as being a polyglot (a person who speaks many languages), he was a polymath (a person with skills and knowledge in many areas). Fortesque composed music and wrote books and was even an accomplished artist.
The artist Minnie Dibdin Spooner, known as Dinah, was married to Charles Spooner, the Scottish architect. Charles Spooner was a cousin of Dr Fortesque, and he designed Letchworth's first Catholic church, St Hugh of Lincoln. Dinah Spooner was a close confidante of Fortescue and they often dined together at the Spooners' house while Charles was giving evening classes at Central School.
MakerSpooner, Mrs Winifred, D
Maker RoleArtist
Date MadeBefore 1929
Medium and MaterialsOil on canvas
Place MadeUnited Kingdom, England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
