Museum TV shows & Podcasts to Keep you Sustained During Lockdown
This week was museum week, but because of the lockdown we have not been able to take part by visiting an actual museum! As I have been listing and watching a lot of TV programmes and podcasts about museums recently, I thought I would note my favourites here.
The list is pretty varied, ranging from BBC programmes to pop-up radio shows, with subject matter covering museum visits, exhibitions, art and history. Hopefully this will help you get that culture-fix to sustain you until we can step foot in a museum again.
The 'Beebs' have delivered a great little line up of shows to watch. My first recommendation is:
Titian - Behind Closed Doors
This TV programme is based on the latest exhibition at the National Gallery in London about the 18th Century Spanish artist Titian. To be honest this wouldn't normally be 'my thing', however it is a really interesting insight into some important art history topics - particularly the portrayal of women in art.
BBC Arts have lots more episodes to watch about exhibitions. A couple that I'd suggest watching are about 'The Clash: London Calling' at the Musuem of London and 'Art Deco By the Sea', which is being exhibition at the Sainsbury Centre.
The Clash: London Calling
Art Deco By The Sea
Secrets of the Museum
Of course we cannot forget a recent museum series to air on the BBC about the V&A Musuem. In these episodes we delve behind the scenes of the V&A - exploring the goings on of conservators, curators and exhibitions.
Grayson's Art Club
Channel 4 has also brought a heartwarming gem of a programme - Grayson's Art Club. Artist Grayson Perry creates art based on a weekly theme, and invites the public to share their creations too. Once lockdown is over, Perry will select submitted works to go into an exhibition.
There are plenty of museum and culture podcasts out there too.
Meet Me at the Museum
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| Image from Art Fund website |
In each episode a well-known person - actors, artists, presenters take a friend to their favourite museum to explore what's on offer and generally muse on life.
Museums n' That
Museums n'That is a lighthearted and funny podcast by Leeds Museums & Galleries that covers all manner of random museum things.
Bow Down - Women in Art
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| Image from Frieze website |
Host Jennifer Higgie invites an artist, curator or historian to nominate a female artist from the past who deserves our attention.
Vagina Museum
Brought to you by the Vagina Museum, this podcast is about, well, vaginas (and vulvas). They discuss key topics, including 'muff-busters', which dismiss common myths about female gynaecology.
Finally, to throw a bit of radio into the mix...
The Past is Queer
The Past is Queer is hosted by 'Museum Queerator' Dan Vo. Dan and his guests reveal how the past is by no means a straight line. The show is produced by pop up radio channel 'Alphabet Radio', and is aired monthly. The first episode's guest is Sacha Coward, who highlights an interesting story about The Little Mermaid!