Watch The Genius of British Art

The Genius of British Art is a fascinating four-part documentary series that was first aired on Channel 4 in 2010. Presented by Janet Street-Porter and featuring renowned art historian and curator, Roy Strong, this show takes its viewers on a remarkable journey through the history of art in Britain.

Throughout the series, the audience is given an insight into British culture through its art, and the impact it has had on the world of art more broadly. Street-Porter and Strong navigate through centuries of art, from the Tudor era to the present day, exploring the artistic achievements of individual artists, movements, and periods.

The series begins with an episode on the Tudor period, a time when Britain was just starting to establish itself as a world power. The art produced during this time, such as the portraits of Henry VIII and his wives, offer a fascinating insight into the politics and culture of the era. Strong provides an insightful commentary on the works of art, highlighting their historical significance and the techniques used to create them.

Moving on to the seventeenth century, the series examines the emergence of the English landscape as a subject for painting. Street-Porter and Strong look closely at the works of artists such as John Constable and J.M.W. Turner, showing how their art captured the beauty of the English countryside and helped to create a sense of what it meant to be English. Additionally, the program examines works from the eighteenth century, including the portraits of Thomas Gainsborough and the works of the Pre-Raphaelites, such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

The second part of the series focuses on Impressionism and Modernism, exploring the impact of continental art movements on British art. Street-Porter and Strong delve into the works of artists such as Walter Sickert and David Bomberg, examining their individual styles and the ways in which they broke with tradition to create new forms of art. The episode also looks at the Bloomsbury Group, a community of artists, writers and intellectuals who played an important role in shaping the cultural landscape of Britain.

The final two episodes of the series cover the art of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, respectively. The former explores the impact of war on British art, with discussions of artists such as Henry Moore and Graham Sutherland. The episode also examines the development of abstract art in Britain with the works of Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson. The final episode takes viewers through contemporary British art and offers a glimpse into the art world of today.

What makes this series particularly engaging is the dynamic between Street-Porter and Strong. Street-Porter, with her no-nonsense attitude and strong personality, often challenges Strong's more academic approach to art history. This creates an interesting dialogue between the two perspectives, allowing viewers to gain a more nuanced understanding of the art being presented.

The Genius of British Art is a documentary series that will undoubtedly appeal to both art enthusiasts and those looking for an insightful overview of British history and culture. With its engaging presenters, in-depth analysis, and fascinating exploration of British art, this series provides an entertaining and informative viewing experience.