In the 1950s and 60s, plastic, combined with the miracles of electronic miniaturisation, allowed designers to offer consumers more freedom. Show more

In the British Library, Dr Janina Ramirez unlocks the secrets of illuminated manuscripts of the first Anglo-Saxon rulers to create a united England. Show more

The story of the British Library's Royal Manuscripts collection reaches its end with the last great flowering of illumination, in the courts of the Tudors. Show more

Arts series. Alan Yentob meets the all-star creative team who are transforming mythological paintings of the goddess Diana into contemporary dance. Show more

Dr David Starkey's exploration of how the monarchy shaped Britain's music reaches the 18th century, which brought such patriotic classics as God Save the King. Show more

In the 17th century, religious conflict threatened not only the lives of musicians and monarchs, but the monarchy's future and the tradition of British music itself. Show more

Dr David Starkey's exploration of how the monarchy shaped Britain's music concludes in the 19th and 20th centuries, when the crown rediscovered the power of pageantry. Show more

Modern British architects such as Richard Rogers, Terry Farrell and Norman Foster reveal the stories behind some of their most famous creations of the 1980s. Show more

A look at some of the stunning recent work of an exceptional generation of British architects born in the 1930s, led by Norman Foster and Richard Rogers. Show more

A look at the period from the late 90s to the present day, when the architects were at the peak of their success but also faced some huge controversies. Show more

Dr David Starkey reveals how the story of British music was shaped by its monarchy, beginning with kings who were also composers, Henry V and Henry VIII. Show more

Andrew Graham-Dixon gets up close and personal with a Turner painting, does the dishes the National Trust way and vacuums one of Britain's rarest rugs. Show more

Andrew Graham-Dixon learns how to vacuum-clean sculptures, polish banisters, preserve Capability Brown's immense parkland and buff-up baroque angels in the chapel. Show more

At Petworth House, Andrew Graham-Dixon discovers an ingenious approach to caring for crumbling wood carvings and sets sail across an 18th-century water feature. Show more

Andrew Graham-Dixon and the team leave the grandeur of the main house to tackle the servants' block, and he polishes some of the 1,000-piece copper cookware range. Show more

Andrew Graham-Dixon takes a turn around Britain's earliest globe, reveals the identity of a 2,000-year-old Roman, and helps restore a Gainsborough landscape. Show more

Andrew Graham-Dixon battles an invasion of moths in one of Petworth's 35 bedrooms, before uncovering the house's many treasures and welcoming back the public. Show more

Recreating festivities from Henry VIII's era, Lucy Worsley dresses, eats, drinks, sings and parties like it is 500 years ago - discovering long-lost traditions as well as familiar customs. Show more

The illustrator and author paints scenes from a 70-year-long career, including his work with Roald Dahl. With David Walliams, Joanna Lumley, Peter Capaldi, Ore Oduba and Michael Rosen. Show more