logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
36m 34s

For the Love of Art: The Story of The Se...

Intelligence Squared
About this episode

In this episode, we uncover the story of a painter who was never recognised for his art during his lifetime with television scriptwriter Joe Tucker. Drawing from his new book The Secret Painter, Tucker sheds light on the life of his uncle Eric Tucker –  an unassuming working-class man from Warrington who secretly created over 500 extraordinary paintings, which were only discovered after his death. 


Why did Eric paint in private for decades? What compels someone to create art with no intention of sharing it? And what does Eric’s story reveal about who gets to be recognized as an artist? Joining Tucker in conversation is Kathryn Hughes, author and critic, whose latest book Catland examines the life of Victorian cat artist Louis Wain. Together, they discuss creativity without an audience, hidden talent and the barriers that keep certain people out of the art world. 


If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.

For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:

- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts

- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series

- 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events 


... 


Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:

- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts

- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series



Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access.



Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more.

https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Up next
Jul 8
Classic Debate: Neville Chamberlain Did The Right Thing
If ever a politician got a bum rap it’s Neville Chamberlain. He has gone down in history as the British prime minster whose policy of appeasement in the 1930s allowed the Nazis to flourish unopposed. He has never been forgiven for ceding part of Czechoslovakia to Hitler in the Mu ... Show More
1h 6m
Jul 7
Are bureaucrats a force for good? With Michael Lewis and Gillian Tett (Part Two)
The concept of government is under attack. In the United States, Donald Trump has fired tens of thousands of federal workers; ignored congressional statutes; insulted judges; and allowed Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, access to sensitive government information in a slash-and ... Show More
40m 33s
Jul 5
Are bureaucrats a force for good? With Michael Lewis and Gillian Tett (Part One)
The concept of government is under attack. In the United States, Donald Trump has fired tens of thousands of federal workers; ignored congressional statutes; insulted judges; and allowed Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, access to sensitive government information in a slash-and ... Show More
40m 50s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
Author Interview: Patrick Bringley's "All the Beauty in the World"
Hello, listeners! I’ve got a special surprise for you this week. I’ve been waiting to share this amazing conversation that I enjoyed earlier this summer with author Patrick Bringley, all about his fantastic book about his time as a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His boo ... Show More
31m 22s
Jun 2024
The Famous Painting Ape
Rerun: Congo, pet chimp of science writer and TV personality Desmond Morris, was considered a novelty in the art world when his paintings were displayed in the 1950’s. But, on 20th June, 2005, three of his works went under the hammer at prestigious London auction house Bonham’s - ... Show More
11m 48s
Jul 2024
Artist Interview | Bosko Hrnjak
Bosko Hrnjak is a multidisciplinary artist best known for his tiki inspired wood carvings and ceramics. In this episode, he was kind enough to sit down and share a bit about his artistic journey. We talked about his inspiration growing up in California surrounded by mid century m ... Show More
43m 30s
Sep 2023
Episode #118: Modern Love--Marina Abramović and Ulay
This season, I’m rounding up stories about modern artists in love, in lust, in relationships— digging into these individuals, see how their liaisons, marriages, affairs, and connections played in or on their respective works of art, and how, if anything, they affected art history ... Show More
33m 21s
May 2024
#145 - Robert Edward Grant: Decoding The Hidden Secrets Of The Universe
This week on The Higher Self, we are honored to host entrepreneur, author, and polymath Robert Edward Grant. His work offers inspiration through geometric art, mathematical insights, and explorations of ancient wonders like the Pyramids of Giza. In this episode, Danny and Robert ... Show More
1h 17m
Apr 9
186.2 - The Violinist in the Metro: Art, Context, and the Power of Place
What happens when one of the world’s greatest violinists plays a million-dollar instrument… in a subway station? Will anyone stop to listen? In this episode, we dive into a powerful real-life experiment that challenges how we see art, talent, and everyday beauty. You'll hear the ... Show More
23m 55s
May 20
Artful Impressions: Storytelling Through Heritage Inspired Art
🎙️ In this exciting episode of the Lasting Impression podcast, we welcome the incredibly talented Jihan Chehayeb, a Lebanese architect and designer renowned for her unique bookmarks and Jewelry especially the statement earrings and for her heritage inspired art. 🌍 Jihan draws i ... Show More
45m 30s
Jan 2025
My Neighbor's Secret by Lauren Rowe
Ellen and Mom discuss the puppetry, peepholes, and payment problems in My Neighbor's Secret by Lauren Rowe.  Plus, trivia brain and selling pictures of my feet.   Come hang out with us!  Twitter/Instagram: @notyourmomsrom Facebook Group: Not Your Mom's Facebook Group Em ... Show More
1h 13m
Apr 2024
Candid Convo: Jo Piazza: The Art of Self-Promotion
Jo Piazza joins us this week to talk about her latest book, “The Sicilian Inheritance” that is sure to be the book of the summer. As a journalist, author, and fellow podcast host, Jo has learned to adapt to the growing influencer economy, pulling inspiration from women like the K ... Show More
38m 47s
Jun 18
160. Meet the creator who got paid 70k to quit his job forever ft. Karl Shakur
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartCheck out Motion Array here:https://motionarray.com/?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970What’s up, Ro ... Show More
1h 8m