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Age of Money

Episode 5 of 7

The story of Britain through its art. In the 18th century, the triumph of commerce led to the emergence of a new 'middle' class, who craved pleasure and novelty.

In the 18th century, the triumph of commerce led to the emergence of a new 'middle' class, a group of people who craved pleasure and novelty, and developed its own tastes in art. The result was a golden age in painting, with Hogarth, Reynolds and Gainsborough reinventing the British style.

The story ends in 1805 with the burial of Horatio Nelson, a commoner, at the heart of St Paul's: the supremacy of the middle class assured.

1 hour

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter David Dimbleby
Director Kate Misrahi
Producer Kate Misrahi
Executive Producer Basil Comely

Broadcasts

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Enjoy David Dimbleby's history of the people of the British Isles