A series of ten programmes 2: Ars Gratia Artis
Introduced by Christopher Roads
In the 16th and 17th centuries, while the gun was evolving from match-lock through wheel-lock to flint-lock, firearms became a prime vehicle for artistic decoration-the guns of the time are often exquisitely embellished and, naturally enough, worth thousands and thousands of pounds today. In salesrooms, in private collections, in museums, fine guns bear witness to the skill and artistry of their makers in centuries gone by. Narrated by DUNCAN CARSE
Film editor DICK ALLEN Producer PAUL JORDAN