The British Achievement

The theme of this film is the contribution made by British painters towards revitalizing the art of Europe. For this one long period, from 1720 to 1850, British art seems to be anchored to Europe instead of floating somewhere offshore. But even so there is something very British about it: there are no gods or saints; it is essentially factual, recording the daily life of England right across the social spectrum. Hogarth painted the London poor and the greed and ruthlessness of the rich. Gainsborough flattered high society, portraying its fashionable elegance; he was a master at combining portraiture with landscape. Reynolds emphasized the grand presence of his sitters. Stubbs excelled in animal portraiture. Nature began to take over from society as the main theme: Constable painted the English countryside with a freshness and spontaneity not seen before. Turner responded to the elemental powers of nature - wind, water and heat - as being greater than the powers of humankind.

Director
Henry Lewes

Writer/Narrator
Edwin Mullins