Goldfinger

A look at the homes of three men who changed British life through art, culture and architecture.

In Hampstead lies the former home of architect Erno Goldfinger, a pioneer of postwar high-density housing and the creator of many iconic buildings, such as the Trellick and Balfron towers in London. His collection of avant-garde art aimed to complement his designs for modern living, but a piece by Argentinian artist Hugo Demarco is in need of conservation work.

At Upton House, the 1930s country retreat of art lover and National Gallery chair Walter Samuel, Lord Bearsted, major work is needed on one of the highlights of his collection, Tintoretto's The Wise and Foolish Virgins. And a mysterious letter has recently been donated to the collection at Carlyle's House in London, revealing how sought-after the company of literary giant Thomas Carlyle and his wife Jane really was.