Original version

BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

The Essay Podcast

The Essay

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

The Essay: Listener, They Wore It: James Whistler's Symphony in White, No 1

James Whistler's Symphony in White, No 1

Listener, They Wore It

BBC Radio 3 - The Essay, Listener, They Wore It, James Whistler's Symphony in White, No 1Close menu

Art historian James Fox describes an intriguing 1860s painting of a girl in a white dress.

Art historian James Fox recalls the painting of the dress that caused intrigue in the 1860s and still resonates today - James Whistler's Symphony in White, No 1.

Five writers recall clothes and accessories that resonate vividly in works of art:

Art historian James Fox describes 'Symphony in White' No. 1, the painting by James Whistler that had everyone guessing about the wearer and the story behind her.

Producer Duncan Minshull

The Essay: Listener, They Wore It

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Five writers examine items of clothing that figure memorably in a work of art.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Essay

Listener, They Wore It

James Whistler's Symphony in White, No 1

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3