As statues of controversial historical figures continue to hit the headlines, Alex von Tunzelmann – author of Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues that Made History – looks at some of the most illuminating examples from across the centuries. She explores why the debate has proven so divisive, and gives her take on what should happen to controversial statues.
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Jul 9
The captain's wife who took command
In the middle of the 19th century, the world's fastest ships raced across oceans carrying cargo, and the fortunes of ambitious young sea captains. In this episode, author Tilar J Mazzeo explores one voyage that produced an unlikely maritime legend. Speaking to Elinor Evans, Mazze ... Show More
46m 9s
Jul 7
What could you eat in Georgian London?
Much of what was eaten by inhabitants of Georgian London is, perhaps surprisingly, familiar to us today. In this episode, Peter Ross takes Lauren Good on a culinary journey through the city – from people pocketing baked potatoes on their way home in the small hours to explaining ... Show More
45m 29s
Jul 6
Pablo Picasso: life of the week
From his birth in 1881 to his death in 1973, Pablo Picasso lived a life as revolutionary as his art. A child prodigy who transformed modern art, his story is one of genius, reinvention, scandal and relentless creativity. In this episode, Danny Bird speaks to Sue Roe about the pas ... Show More
43m 33s
May 2024
Which Statues Should We Take Down? How To Fairly Judge Historical Figures by Today’s Standards
In the United States, questions of how we celebrate – or condemn – leaders in the past have never been more contentious. In 2017, a statue of Robert E. Lee was removed – leading to a race riot and terrorist attack. But in 2020, statues of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Chri ... Show More
39m 3s
May 2022
The rise and fall of America's monuments
Jamil Smith talks with Erin Thompson, professor of art crime and author of Smashing Statues: The Rise and Fall of America's Public Monuments. They discuss why we honor horrible people from the past in metal and stone, what effects these objects have on our present, and what's kee ... Show More
48m 46s
Mar 2022
Cecil Rhodes: Imperial pioneer or South Africa's Hitler?
The statue of Cecil Rhodes at Oriel College, Oxford has been at the epicentre of debates over Britain’s imperial past. To some, he is an inspiring pioneer and philanthropist. To others, he represents everything wrong with colonialism. So should Rhodes fall? To find out, Steven Ed ... Show More
24m 39s