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Simon Schama

Art historian Simon Schama talks to Simon about his book and TV series The Face of Britain, examining the nation through its portraits. Plus another listener confession.

Art historian Simon Schama talks to Simon about his book and TV series 'The Face Of Britain', discovering the nation through its portraits.

Before we can walk, before we can talk, we become readers of faces, and throughout our lives, face reading helps us to navigate the world.Combining his two great passions, British history and art history, for the first time, and working closely with the curators of the National Portrait Gallery, Schama's storytelling reveals the truth behind the nation's most famous portrayals of power, love, fame, the self, and the people.

Revealing the stories behind some of the most powerful images in the history of British art, Schama examines the artists and sitters who have played a key role in Britain's national story and the public reaction to the images they created. The free exhibition comprising five themed displays that explore the development, character and meanings of British portraiture from the 1500s to the Present Day is on at National Portrait Gallery between 16th September and 4 January 2016.

Plus another daft listener confession to mull over, more marvellous music and the latest business, sport and travel updates.

1 hour, 55 minutes

Last on

Mon 28 Sep 2015 17:05
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2

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Music Played

  • Dave Edmunds

    Girls Talk

    • NOW - Yearbook 1979 (Various Artists).
    • Now.
    • 2.

  • Florence + The Machine

    Queen Of Peace

    • How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful.
    • Island.
    • 004.

  • Lady Gaga

    Poker Face

    • The Fame.
    • Interscope.
    • 6.

  • Womack & Womack

    Love Wars

    • Soul Years: 1984 (Various Artists).
    • Knight Records.

  • James Taylor

    Your Smiling Face

    • James Taylor - Classic Songs.
    • CBS.

  • John Newman & Charlie Wilson

    Tiring Game

    • (CD Single).
    • Island.
    • 001.

  • John Newman & Charlie Wilson

    Tiring Game

    • (CD Single).
    • Island.
    • 001.

  • Marti Webb

    Take That Look Off Your Face

    • The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
    • Polydor.

  • Train

    Drive By

    • (CD Single).
    • Columbia.
    • 12.

  • Jack Savoretti

    Back Where I Belong

    • (CD Single).
    • BMG Chrysalis.

  • Eagles

    Lyin' Eyes

    • (Single).
    • Asylum.

  • Will Young

    Joy

    • 85% Proof (Deluxe Edition).
    • Island.
    • 7.

  • Shanice

    I Love Your Smile

    • Now Yearbook '92 (Various Artists).
    • Sony Music.

  • Joss Stone

    Molly Town

    • Water For Your Soul.
    • Stoned Records.
    • 003.

  • Status Quo

    Something 'Bout You Baby I Like

    • Whatever You Want - V.Best Of Status.
    • Polygram Tv.

  • Them

    Gloria

Broadcast

  • Mon 28 Sep 2015 17:05
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2