Art That Made Us

Episode 2

Revolution of the Dead

Episode two traces an alternative history of the Black Death of the Middle Ages. From the chaos of the Black Death comes creative renewal; survivors finding their voice through satire and a revived literature in English, including breakthrough works by women, and through new craft in cathedral building and stained glass.

Episode 3

Queens, Feuds and Faith

Episode three looks at the story of the 16th century religious revolution, as England and other parts of the British Isles turned to Protestantism.

Episode 4

To Kill a King

A splintering of politics and religion in the British Isles under the Stuart kings leads to more questioning art, new science and architecture.

Episode 5

Consumers and Conscience

In the 18th century, trade and conquest funds an explosion of creativity, and art stirs a growing social conscience.

Episode 6

Rise of the Cities

With the industrial revolution transforming the British Isles, cities and country are divided and artists respond to the upheaval to lives and the landscape.

Episode 7

Wars and Peace

The world wars force artists to grapple with destruction and savagery, challenging conventions and the old imperial order, while those fleeing war bring new ideas to Britain.

Episode 8

Brilliant Isles

In the final episode of the series, an explosion of new voices from across the British Isles reinvents the arts, creating a richer, more diverse culture.