Art That Made Us

An exploration of the turbulent era that followed the Roman occupation of Britain. Once known as the `dark' ages, in reality it's a time of glittering art and extraordinary cultural fusions.

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.

During the reign of Elizabeth I, Protestants and Catholics use art, language, and new technology to wage a battle for power in the Isles, creating surprising and often radical works.

A splintering of politics and religion in the British Isles under the Stuart kings leads to more questioning art, new science, and architecture.

The story of Britain in the 18th century, which saw an explosion of creativity and a country with enough money, from trade and conquest, to pay for it. But the money had a dark side.

Charting the decisive shift of power from countryside to the city during the 19th century. With the industrial revolution transforming the British Isles, a divide opened up between city and country.