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The Secret Life of the National Grid

Philip Glenister

Gaby Hornsby

Clare Sillery

The Secret Life of the National Grid: Episode 2: Switching On

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Switching On

Episode 2

Episode 2: Switching On

BBC Four - The Secret Life of the National Grid, Switching On

How switching on to the grid has transformed our lives over the last 60 years.

Series about the electricity grid continues by exploring how switching on has transformed our lives over the last 60 years, from gadgets to creating a consumer society.

From hoovers to hi-fis, from electric lifts to intensive care units - where would we be if we couldn't plug in to the national electricity grid? The second part of this history of the grid explores how switching on has transformed every part of our lives over the last 60 years. 

Colour archive reveals a time when having an electric cooker was a status symbol and 'plugged in' music was revolutionary. But the grid didn't just mean gadgets - it has been central to creating a consumer society and shaping the contemporary city. 

Contributors include The Shadows' guitarist Bruce Welch, author Will Self and architect Mike Davies, all talking about how electrification has sparked modern Britain into life.

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Series charting the development of Britain's national electricity grid.

Series charting the development of Britain's national electricity grid and how it sparked modern Britain into being - transforming our landscape, our politics and our lives

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The Secret Life of the National Grid

Episode 2: Switching On

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