Writer Howard Jacobson celebrates the way British artists depict sex and desire, and argues that the most compelling expression is to be found where we might least expect it: in the art of the Victorians.

At a time when Britain's contemporary art world has been dominated by the 'Sensation' generation of Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, it's easy to dismiss English landscape art as nothing more than tea towel culture. That would be a big mistake, argues Sir Roy Strong.

Modern Art has made us who we are and it has certainly made Janet Street Porter who she is. Janet speaks to Hirst, Tracey Emin and Grayson Perry about how art has seeped into the very heart of British culture.

Britain's war artists have pushed the boundaries in their drive to bring home to us the true cost of war. We once celebrated war's valour and glory, but they have encouraged us to feel its pain and tragedy. They have given us an artistic legacy that will continue to provoke and to move generations to come.

A selection of some of David Bowie's best performances from the BBC archives, which also features artists who Bowie helped along the way, such as Mott the Hoople, Lulu, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed.

A selection of some of funk's best artists from the BBC archives and beyond, beginning in the 1970s. Includes performances from acts such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & the Gang, Average White Band and Herbie Hancock.

Examining the inventions that led to the electrical, the transport and the communication revolutions that shaped the modern world.

Every time we switch on a light or boil a kettle we rely on power to do it. Episode one of The Genius of Invention reveals the fascinating chain of events that made such every-day miracles possible. It tells the story of the handful of extraordinary British inventors and inventions who helped build the modern world by understanding, harnessing, and using power.

We take our ability to travel quickly and safely across the globe for granted. This episode reveals the fascinating chain of events that made such everyday marvels possible, telling the story of the handful of extraordinary inventors and inventions who helped build the modern world by making the miracle of powered transport mundane.

Nothing has shrunk the globe more than our extraordinary ability to talk to one another across the oceans and continents. Episode three of The Genius of Invention reveals the fascinating chain of events that made such every-day miracles possible.

Our ability to see and record live events from right across the world has shrunk the globe, making virtual neighbours of us all. It is a defining characteristic of our modern world.

Nearly 80 years after her death, Marie Curie remains by far the best known female scientist. In her lifetime, she became that rare thing: a celebrity scientist, attracting the attention of the news cameras and tabloid gossip.

Charts the golden age of 'photographic journeys' and how the use of colour slowly became a credible medium for 'serious' photographers.

A film that looks at the genius of JMW Turner in a new light. There is more to Turner than his sublime landscapes - he also painted machines, science, technology and industry. Turner's life spans the Industrial Revolution, he witnessed it as it unfolded and he painted it.

Series looking at history through the eyes of ordinary people. Rulers and royals, lords and ladies have all had their say down the centuries, what were the last 1,600 years like for everyday Britons?

Series looking at history through the eyes of ordinary people. Rulers and royals, lords and ladies have all had their say down the centuries, what were the last 1,600 years like for everyday Britons?The roots of Britain; from the end of the Romans to the coming of the Anglo Saxons.

How English, Scots and Welsh nations emerged due to the impact of the Vikings.

How the Norman Conquest shaped Britain following the Battle of Hastings.

How Britain was transformed by the great devastation of the Black Plague.

Historian Michael Wood charts the Reformation.

Michael Wood tells the story of the British Civil Wars.

Michael Wood uncovers the extraordinary tale of the Industrial Revolution.

Michael Wood takes an overview of events between the jubilees of 1897 and 2012.

In this documentary, Rageh Omaar sets out to find out that if human depiction is the source of such controversy, how is it that the art displayed here shows a tradition of figurative art at the heart of Islam for century after century? He explores what forms of art are acceptable for a Muslim - and why this artistic tradition has thrived - in the hidden art of the muslim world.

The History Of Football - The Beautiful Game takes you beyond great goals and classic match action to focus on every aspect of the game. On and off the pitch, along the corridors of power, from its humble beginnings to the billion pound industry it is today.

This episode looks at the growth of football in Africa. It covers how the game was first introduced and the changes it has undergone over the years.

This episode looks at how football took its shape in Europe. It also looks at the formation of FIFA and the teams that dominated the early years.

This episode looks at varying cultures and how they have developed the same basic game to incorporate their own cultural diversity. It looks into great detail at Africa in the ?50s and how the attempt at creating the United States of Africa failed.

The first topic of focus in this episode is the French and how they have recently become a force in world football, since their memorable win on home soil in the 1998 World Cup.

This episode looks at the football media and how they are both needed for the game and at times its worst enemy.