Secret KnowledgeSeason 12013 · 21 episodesEpisodes1The Kimbolton CabinetGranted privileged access to the Victoria and Albert Museum after hours, John Bly seeks out the Kimbolton Cabinet, an exquisite piece of 18th-century English furniture that promises to reveal much about not only our nation's craft heritage but also his very own childhood.2The Art of the VikingsThrough interpretations of some of the archaeological treasures of the Swedish National Museum, now on display in Edinburgh, Dr Janina Ramirez of Oxford University explores the fascinating wealth of Viking culture and its long-lasting influence on the British Isles.3Bolsover CastleLucy Worsley tells the story of Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire. Built in the early 17th century, it became the pleasure palace of playboy Cavalier and ambitious courtier William Cavendish. Guiding us on a tour of the castle and its remarkable collection of artworks, Lucy brings to life the spectacular masque held by Cavendish to win the favour of King Charles I. And from within the walls of this eccentric architectural gem emerges a colourful tale, capturing the tensions of early 17th-century England that would eventually lead the nation to civil war.4Walter Scott’s CastleStuart Kelly gets behind-the-scenes access as over 13,000 treasures are moved back into Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House.5Stradivarius and MeClemency Burton-Hill indulges in her lifelong passion for the violin as she explores the mysterious life and lasting influence of legendary violin maker Antonio Stradivari.7The Art of WitchcraftArtist Lachlan Goudie presents a personal documentary, inspired by his father, in which he investigates why witches have cast such a powerful spell over generations of artists.8The Hidden Jewels of the Cheapside HoardJewellery designer Shaun Leane uncovers some of the secrets of the hoard of nearly 500 Elizabethan and Jacobean jewels discovered by workmen in London's Cheapside district in 1912.9Tracey Emin on Louise Bourgeois - Women Without SecretsTracey Emin offers an insight into the life and work of the French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, famed for her sculptures and installations embodying her personal emotions.10Castiglione - Rogue Genius of the BaroqueHelen Rosslyn makes the case for troubled, turbulent 17th century printmaker and draftsman Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione to be seen as one of the great artists of the Baroque.11Hogarth - One Man and His PugLars Tharp appeals to the nation to help him recover a rare piece of long-lost William Hogarth memorabilia - a precious terracotta sculpture of the artist's beloved pet pug.12The Russian Revolutionary: Zaha Hadid on Kazimir MalevichArchitect Zaha Hadid considers the influence of Russian abstract artist Kazimir Malevich's avant-garde art on her own avant-garde architecture.13The Living Mountain: A Cairngorms JourneyTravel-writer Robert MacFarlane presents a documentary telling the story of Scottish poet and novelist Nan Shepherd and her book, The Living Mountain.14In Search of Rory McEwenJools Holland tells the story of his father-in-law Rory McEwen - aristocrat, artist, folk singer and pioneering TV presenter, and the man who brought the blues to Britain.15Wondrous Obsessions: The Cabinet of CuriositiesProfessor Nandini Das reveals the story behind the Cabinet of Curiosities - the original collecting craze that began in Renaissance Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries.16The Private Life of a Dolls’ HouseLauren Child explores the history of dolls’ houses, speaks to craftspeople who create perfect miniatures and meets collectors willing to pay big money for tiny objects of desire.17The Body Beautiful - Ancient Greeks, Good Looks and GlamourNatalie Haynes takes a journey into ancient beauty and modern glamour, examining how our obsession with the body beautiful goes back to an era of stunning artistic achievement.18Nina Simone and Me with Laura MvulaIn a personal tribute, British soul singer Laura Mvula travels to New York to celebrate the Nina Simone songs that mean most to her and explore their musical roots.19Thomas Chatterton: The Myth of the Doomed PoetMichael Symmons Roberts explores the mythic afterlife of the 18th-century poet Thomas Chatterton, whose early death was immortalised by poets, painters and photographers.20The Art of the Impossible: MC Escher and MeSir Roger Penrose takes a personal journey through artist MC Escher's work, marvelling at his intuitive brilliance and the light it still sheds on complex mathematical concepts.21Jacobi on Garrick: Godfather of the British StageDerek Jacobi goes in search of David Garrick, 18th-century superstar and the man who reinvented acting for the modern era.23A Very British Pornographer: The Jack Kahane StoryNeil Pearson looks at the life of Jack Kahane, who combined a career selling low-grade smut with publishing some of the most significant works of avant-garde literature.
