The Victorians

One of my recent favourite TV programmes is 'The Victorians' on BBC 1 presented by a famous journalist Jeremy Paxman, who is also the presenter of popular quiz show 'University Challenge' (I like this show as well). In this series Paxman introduces Victorian era in Britain through art (mainly paintings). I basically love watching art and that's why I am enthralled by this programme.

The Queen Victoria reigned over Britain from 1837 to 1901, which era is called Victorian era. There were so many great changes in this country in the era, for example terrible famine in Ireland, Jewish people's immigration into the country because of racists' attacks in Russia, Poland and Belarus, purchase of Suez Canal, serial murders by Jack the Ripper, publication of Darwin's 'On the origin of Species', opening of London Underground System etc. Especially the development of the middle class people in the society was significant, as a result of which more freedom were allowed in business and art world. In art, more nudes were painted and this caused many arguments among critics on what 'obscenity' was.

In the programme Paxman introduced many painters, but there was one painter who I couldn't help fixing my eyes on. His name is Richard Dadd. The interesting thing about him is his life. He studied art at Royal Academy and painted lots of fairies and other fantastic things, but he went insane when he was 25. He killed his own father, because he thought father was evil... After that he escaped to France and tried to kill more people, then got arrested and put into a mental hospital for the rest of his life.
I fell in love with one of his paintings, which is shown below.

'Come unto this yellow sands' by Dadd

This painting is based on my favourite story 'The Tempest' by William Shakespeare. The painting is exactly like what I imagined when I read the book. I also love the film based on 'The Tempest' called 'Prospero's Books' directed by Peter Greenaway, but this is another story...

Painted in the hospital, Dadd's another famous painting 'The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke'

People say 'There is a very fine line between the genius and the insane'. Richard Dadd was both, there wasn't a line... What a disaster, but at the same time what a miracle. In fact he painted most of his famous paintings in the prison (hospital)...I was so glad to learn about this painter, and I have to thank Jeremy Paxman...ha ha. Paxman doesn't have such a great passion for art, but he was interested in the society of Victorian era and art tipped the balance of the society in this era. He wrote a book as well. I might buy a copy...


In addition, after watching the programme I found a fantastic manor house in Buckinghamshire. The house is called Waddesdon Manor, which was built in Victorian era and has amazing architectures and gardens. I HAVETO VISIT HERE! I thought. It's not too far from my place, so might go there next week if I have time...Yes, I want to go, I have to go...lol

Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire

Anyway, the programme 'The Victorians' attracts my interest and lets me learn so many things. You can watch all four parts of the series on BBC iPlayer, if you are interested. I absolutely recommend this:)