Face of Britain by Simon Schama

Face of Britain by Simon Schama (2015)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

Simon Schama explores the history of British portraiture, revealing the stories behind the most compelling images in British art and examining the ways portraiture is used to make a statement.

Network
Scheduleevery Wednesday at 21:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

The Face in the Mirror
Season 1Episode 560 min

The Face in the Mirror

In this film, Simon Schama explores the complex motivations behind some of our most intriguing self-portraits, looking at what they say about both the creative minds of the artists who produced them and the human condition. From Tracy Emin's bed, a relic of our confessional age, to Lucien Freud's searing examinations of his ageing body, the film will explore how all self-portraits stand on a knife edge between self-indulgence and self-scrutiny. Schama explores the daring first glimmers of self-portraiture in a 13th-century manuscript and how the incarceration of the artist Gerlach Flicke led to the creation of the first English self-portrait that looks us straight in the eye. He shows how the frustrated potential of artist Isaac Fuller led to a self-portrait of unprecedented poignancy and how the romantic imagination of Samuel Palmer created works of visionary beauty. Laura Knight's use of her own image to defy the male-dominated art establishment and William Orpen's painted search for his own identity during World War I reflect the complex motivations that have driven artists to make themselves the subject of their work. Visiting the hundreds of figures that make up Antony Gormley's monumental sculpture Another Place, Schama reflects on this collective self-portrait that inspires us all to contemplate our place in the world.

Oct 28, 2015

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E05The Face in the MirrorOct 28, 2015
S01E04The Look of LoveOct 21, 2015
S01E03The Face of FameOct 14, 2015
S01E02Faces of the PeopleOct 7, 2015
S01E01The Face of PowerSep 30, 2015
View all episodesView all seasons

Cast

Simon Schama

Simon Schama

plays himself
View all cast

Characters

Presenter

Presenter

played by Simon Schama
View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
Running

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew

The journey of four kids who make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, then get lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Finding their way home — and meeting unlikely allies and enemies — will be a greater adventure than they ever imagined.

GenreAction, Adventure, Science-Fiction
Son of a Critch
Running

Son of a Critch

Based on the award-winning, best-selling memoir from Mark Critch. This new original comedy is the hilarious and very real story of 11-year-old Mark coming of age in St. John's, Newfoundland in the 80s. It's a heartfelt window into the life of a child – much older inside than his 11 years – using comedy and self-deprecation to win friends and connect with the small collection of people in his limited world.

GenreComedy
The Daily Show
Running

The Daily Show

Hosted by a rotating cast of comedy greats, The Daily Show remains the go-to source for provocative satire, insightful interviews and an award-winning team of correspondents and contributors.

GenreComedy
Murdoch Mysteries
Running

Murdoch Mysteries

Set in Toronto at the dawn of the 20th century, Murdoch Mysteries is a one-hour drama series that explores the intriguing world of William Murdoch, a methodical and dashing detective who pioneers innovative forensic techniques to solve some of the city's most gruesome murders. Murdoch's colleagues include the love of his life, coroner and psychiatrist Dr. Julia Ogden, a staunch ally who shares the detective's fascination for science; Constable George Crabtree, Murdoch's eager but sometimes naïve right-hand man; Inspector Brackenreid, Murdoch's skeptical yet reluctantly supportive boss; and coroner Dr. Emily Grace, Dr. Ogden's protégé.

GenreDrama, Crime, Mystery
Forbidden History
Running

Forbidden History

Jamie Theakston's Forbidden History uncovers the truth behind great myths, conspiracy theories, ancient treasures, lost civilisations, and wartime secrets. Theakston left after Season 5.

GenreMystery, History, Supernatural
* This is an affiliate link. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission from the provider. This will not incur any additional costs for you and you will support our project. We thank you for your support!