Art, Passion & Power: The Story Of The Royal Collection

Episode two: Paradise Regained. In the year 1660 something miraculous began to happen.

After the execution of Charles I the Royal Collection had been sold off and scattered to the four winds. But now, with the restoration of Charles II, the monarchy was back, and with it their driven, sometimes obsessive, passion for art. Slowly but surely, new pieces were acquired, while others were returned out of fear of reprisal: the Royal Collection had sprung back to life.

In this second episode of his major four-part series, Andrew Graham-Dixon tells the story of the Royal Collection’s remarkable resurrection. Following its fortunes from Charles II through to the 18th century and the enlightened collecting of George III, we see some of its greatest treasures: a jewel-encrusted salt cellar in the shape of a castle, a magnificent gold State Coach and masterpieces by Vermeer, Canaletto and Leonardo da Vinci.

Pictured: Andrew Graham Dixon in Venice on the trail of Canaletto

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