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St Ives to St Day

Michael Portillo explores the West Country between the wars and discovers a Cornish fisherman, who, although he began painting only in his seventies, inspired established artists from the capital.

Michael Portillo boards the Great Western Railway at the Cornish seaside resort of St Ives. Steered by his 1930s Bradshaw’s Guide, this week he explores the West Country between the wars.

In Britain's first studio pottery, Michael attempts a decorative wax technique and feels the heat of the firing kiln. He discovers a Cornish fisherman, who, although he began painting only in his seventies, inspired established artists from the capital.

Along the Cornish Riviera at Hayle, Michael joins a family on holiday in a railway carriage called Harvey. From Redruth, Michael makes his way to the former mining village of St Day, where Feast Day celebrations are in full flow.

29 minutes

Clip

Music Played

  • They Might Be Giants

    Man, It's So Loud In Here

Credits

RoleContributor
PresenterMichael Portillo
Series EditorAlison Kreps
Production CompanyBoundless West
DirectorGeorge Boyle
Executive ProducerJohn Comerford

Broadcasts

Steam railway programmes on BBC iPlayer

Steam railway programmes on BBC iPlayer

A collection of programmes from the BBC archives on the beauty of steam locomotives.