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Despite fierce opposition to the courtship from Maria's influential grandfather, John is determined to marry and to succeed as a painter. Read by Anton Lesser.

Anton Lesser reads Martin Gayford's account of the early career of John Constable and his long battle to win the hand of his future wife, Maria Bicknell, based on correspondence between the pair.

Opposition to the courtship between John and Maria was particularly fierce from her wealthy and influential grandfather, Dr Rhudde. But Constable remained as determined that they should marry as he was to succeed as a landscape painter.

15 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Thu 26 Feb 200909:45
  • Fri 27 Feb 200900:30
  • Thu 12 Sep 201314:45
  • Thu 30 Oct 201414:45
  • Fri 31 Oct 201400:45

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