Instant Expert
18 Jan 2022
On a frosty January morning in 1649, Charles I stepped from the Banqueting House at Whitehall to his execution. The building, a masterpiece of revolutionary architecture, was central to the Stuart dynasty – a space that denoted power. Our expert, Siobhan Clarke, relates its story and the tale of why Parliament dared to kill a king
13 Dec 2021
From the earliest painters to William Blake and on to Antony Gormley, artists have always been fascinated by angels – but are these celestial beings messengers or missiles? Our expert, Caroline Holmes, examines the evidence
22 Nov 2021
There is universal delight in being deceived by magic, with magicians upending our assumptions about the way the world works. Our expert, magician Bertie Pearce, guides us through this world of smoke and mirrors
9 Nov 2021
World War II curators were prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to hide (in unlikely sites) the UK’s dazzling art collection. Our expert, Caroline Shenton, takes up the tale
8 Nov 2021
The term ‘icon’ comes from the Greek ‘eikon’, meaning ‘image’. These objects of veneration come with a rich history, with the earliest surviving examples dating to the 6th or 7th century. Our expert, Helen McIldowie-Jenkins, unpicks the tale of the origins and making of this particularly singular art form
26 Oct 2021
There’s nothing new about sham news – or outrageous hoaxes. In the 18th century, satirical prints helped spread such stories, duping thousands. Our expert, Ian Keable, looks at some colourful examples
13 Oct 2021
Who knew there were dinosaurs in Crystal Palace? You’ll find them in the world’s first dinosaur park, which opened in 1854. Today its Grade I listed models provide a snapshot of our understanding of dinosaurs at the dawn of palaeontology. Our expert, Dr Aaron W Hunter, takes us on a tour
1 Oct 2021
Enigmatic and brilliant, the artist Frida Kahlo presented physically as a living artwork, while describing herself as ‘the great concealer’. Our expert, Fiona Rose, reveals five things you should know about the real Kahlo
16 Aug 2021
Unlocking the hidden meanings of cultural symbols sheds new light on ideas that have driven history. Our expert, Matthew Wilson, explores the tales behind five great examples