Architecture & design documentaries
Highclere: Behind the Scenes
It’s the fictional Crawley Family who inhabit the massive TV hit Downton Abbey, known and loved around the world. But what about their real-life counterparts? With exclusive access to Highclere Castle, this documentary follows the highs and lows of the colorful, modern-day Lord and Lady Carnarvon and their loyal staff, as they strive to keep this demanding castle running smoothly.
Phil Spencer's Stately Homes
Britain’s stately homes were private sanctuaries that housed the nation’s aristocrats for centuries. Now, architecture expert Phil Spencer has been given exclusive access to some of the most extravagant country houses. He will be peeling back the years to explore how and why these extraordinary houses came to be built and reveal the history behind the construction and evolution of these mansions.
Dan Cruickshank's Adventures in Architecture
What influence has architecture had on history and culture? And do buildings reflect the personality of a nation? Historian and writer Dan Cruickshank celebrates architecture as a creative force as he explores the world’s greatest cities, buildings and monuments in this compelling documentary series. He travels the globe visiting incredible structures that have left an indelible mark on humanity.
Brunel: Building a Great Britain
Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the British civil engineer, is considered one of the most ingenious and prolific figures in engineering history. He was responsible for such astonishing feats as steamship travel across the Atlantic, building the first tunnel under a major river and constructing docks, harbors and bridges. His designs helped Britain to expand and grow as the powerhouse of the world.
A Grand Royal Design
For over a decade, Prince (now King) Charles oversaw the ambitious restoration of Dumfries House, a rundown 18th century stately home in one of the UK’s most deprived areas. As this intimate documentary shows, his goal was to instill hope and pride into a struggling community. Filmed over ten years, see the Princes’ painstaking journey to renovate a lost building and help those around.