Art That Made Us
Art That Made Us is a TV show on BBC4. An epic story of creativity. How works of art from Britain's past have shaped us. Some are surprising, others familiar - but all are at the heart of dramatic moments of change. The program has been available since 2026. A total of 7 episodes have been broadcast, most recently in May 2026.
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Art That Made Us
The world wars force artists to grapple with destruction and savagery, challenging conventions and the old imperial order, while those fleeing war bring new ideas to Britain.
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With the industrial revolution transforming the British Isles, the cities and country are divided, and artists respond to the upheavals to lives and the landscape.
In the 18th century, trade and conquest funds an explosion of creativity, and art stirs a growing social conscience.
A splintering of politics and religion in the British Isles under the Stuart kings leads to more questioning art, new science and architecture.
During the reign of Elizabeth I, Protestants and Catholics use art, language and new technology to wage a battle for power in the British Isles, creating surprising and often radical works.
From the chaos of the Black Death comes creative renewal - survivors finding their voice through satire and a revived literature in English, including breakthrough works by women.
In this alternative history of the British Isles, working artists explore an era once known as the 'dark’ ages, finding mysterious art that haunts our landscapes and imagination.