The Beginning

Rebecca Front reads from Bernadette Murphy's revelatory account of her seven-year mission to solve one of the most infamous and perplexing art mysteries of the nineteenth century.

The period, when Van Gogh injured his ear, has come to define the way the great artist is viewed. Yet there are discrepancies and gaps in the story. In this new book, Bernadette asks what exactly did happen that fateful night? She pieces together the unfolding events, dogged in pursuit of the truth as she trawls through forgotten archives which lead to dead ends but also to unexpected and new revelations.

Bernadette Murphy has lived for thirty years in the south of France. By chance she became intrigued by Van Gogh's story and started investigating, but little did she expect the adventure it turned out to be.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton
Produced by Elizabeth Allard.