BBC: Seven Ages of Britain

In an ambitious and fascinating series, David Dimbleby reveals the seven great ages of British culture, uncovering and exploring over a thousand years of extraordinary artistic achievement. Fresh, rich and full of vivid insights into the triumphs and tragedies of the national past, the stories unfold through an incredible collection of Treasures: From Shakespeare’s plays to colonial architecture in India. Pre-independence through to 1st world war poster art are all covered in this fascinating new series. From the Iron Age onwards, art can be a mirror to the nation—capturing who a people are and heralding the major events of each era. In The Seven Ages of Britain, David Dimbleby uncovers the fascinating story of how British art reflects the country's history. Beginning with the mysterious Pictish carvings and Roman mosaics that reveal the legacy of Britain's many invaders, David Dimbleby guides us through the seven ages of Britain. He journeys from the riches of the Middle Ages, to the innovation of the Restoration, the exotica of the British Empire and finally to twentieth-century modernism. Bringing together leading experts, who vividly capture each period of history, The Seven Ages of Britain is a unique exploration of British history through its most beautiful and influential works of art.