James Fox: BBC Four's 'British Masters'
In a major re-calibration of 20th-century British paintings, art historian James Fox argues that British painting from 1910 to 1975 was far from being old-fashioned but an extraordinary flowering of genius. The three-part BBC Four series starts on Monday 11th July at 9pm.
Exclusive to Your Paintings, James Fox narrates a guided tour that uses some of the most interesting paintings in the nation’s art collection to tell a story of 20th century Britain. Along the way, we find out how artists were influenced by British society and how in turn they aimed to influence it.
" I've selected brilliant paintings that I think are not only great examples of twentieth century British art, but they tell a story of twentieth century Britain as well"
What do you think of this take on 20th century Britain? Are there other paintings that you think tell the story as well, or better? And do you agree with what James Fox argues in his BBC Four series - that art historians of the future will rank British paintings in this period alongside the Golden Ages of Renaissance Italy and Impressionist France.
You can also read more in James Fox's latest BBC TV blog post, 'British Masters: My one big chance to get even'.
Comment number 1.
At 14:03 13th Jul 2011, ramirez2 wrote:Brilliant start to the series. Well done to all involved.
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Comment number 2.
At 17:38 14th Jul 2011, plinythewelder wrote:I loved this programme so much. The first half was like 24 and the second half was like Goodbye To All That. What could be better. Fox oozed charisma. And the cameraman should start doing feature films.
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Comment number 3.
At 12:44 18th Jul 2011, BBC Emily wrote:Thank you so much for your comments ramirez2 and plinythewelder. Have you watched James Fox's Guided Tour on the Your paintings website yet? Check it out here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/guidedtours/james-fox
Let us know what you think!
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Comment number 4.
At 15:03 18th Jul 2011, alvore7 wrote:Loving the series and the concept - but I do hope that as well as the better-known artists, consideration will be given to artists who never quite got the wider recognition they should have due to the general malaise around British painters of the time. Miles Sharp (1897 - 1973) is an example who springs to mind. He worked in oil, watercolours, and also made line engravings. Much of his work was exhibited at the Royal Academy, yet still he remains criminally overlooked today. A perfect illustration of the point being made in this series I believe!
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