Arts & Literature
Decoding Turner
JMW Turner is one of Britain’s most notable and revered artists. His magnificent paintings are world famous, but what if they’re not what they seem? This art documentary promises to change the way Turner’s work is interpreted. Art historians, academics and Turner fanatics reveal the startling hidden codes and mystery elements they believe are woven into his romantic paintings.
Becoming Frida Kahlo
There are many myths that surround the passionate, radical Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, the most famous female artist of the 20th century. This compelling art documentary attempts to set the record straight. It reveals how politics, love and art shaped Frida as an individual and as an artist. And it shows how she ultimately strived to be free from the control and influence of men.
Wonderland: The Story of Christmas
So many classic children’s books deal with the festive season. There are Christmassy moments in great works by Charles Dickens, Hans Christian Andersen, Kenneth Grahame, J. M. Barrie, J.R.R. Tolkien and many more. This compelling arts documentary delves into both the joyous descriptions of yuletide created by these writers and also some darker moments in Christmas stories.
Wonderland: Lewis Carroll to JRR Tolkien
In one remarkable 60-year period, some of the most iconic children’s literature was written in Britain. An extraordinary range of authors created ‘Wonderlands’, imaginary places of happiness where sorrows were simply removed. This fascinating arts documentary showcases the lives of writers Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit), AA Milne (Winnie the Pooh) and others.
Antiques Roadshow
BBC Select has a number of seasons of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow to stream in the US and Canada.
Season 39 travels the length of Great Britain inspecting the treasures of the general public, attempting to unearth some gems while uncovering the occasional fake. This series was marked by a very special visit to Balmoral Castle paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as she became Britain’s longest-serving monarch.