ArtsThe surprising story of Van Gogh's guardian angelAt the toughest time of his life, the painter was supported by an unlikely soulmate, Joseph Roulin, a postman in Arles. It was a friendship that would benefit art history.Window cleaner in quest to confirm priceless Shakespeare portraitA window cleaner from Tring believes he has an authentic portrait of Shakespeare.8 days agoBeds, Herts & BucksFive ways to spot a fake masterpieceThe recent discovery of an art forger's workshop reminds us of the long history of fraudulent artworks – here are the simple rules to work them out.12 Mar 2025Culture Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See morePerforming artsWales' slavery legacy explored in new playThe Women of Llanrumney is set on a sugar plantation in 18th Century Jamaica.See moreWatchKatsushika Oei: The artist history forgotKatsushika Oei was an accomplished painter, but less known than her father.See moreEditor's picksThe troubled history of the Sydney Opera HouseThe construction of the Australian icon was plagued by technical problems, soaring costs, public anger and political infighting. In 1965, BBC Tonight visited the construction site.24 Feb 2025CultureHow Nairobi became a thriving arts hubArtists from across East Africa have converged on Kenya's capital, creating a vibrant scene.31 Jul 2021AfricaWhy perceptions of tattoos are changingTattoos have in recent years gone from being taboo to part of the social fabric. The next step? Their acceptance as art works that can even outlive their owners, writes Thomas Hobbs.18 Aug 2022CultureArt in ColoursThe rare blue the Maya inventedThe colour survives in the work of 17th Century Spanish colonial painters, a symbol of the wealth that ultimately doomed the Maya, writes Devon Van Houten Maldonado.The colour that means life and death23 Jul 2018CultureThe shady past of the colour pink19 Apr 2018CultureThe colour that comes from volcanoes27 Feb 2018CultureThe painting that revolutionised colour15 Feb 2018CultureThe insect that painted Europe red2 Feb 2018CultureTake me to the operaIs opera still 'elitist and exclusive'?The Travel Show follows soprano Isabelle Peters for exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the London Coliseum.See moreClassical musicThe most misunderstood Oscar winner everReleased 40 years ago this month, Miloš Forman's best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film's critics could be missing the point.28 Sep 2024CultureMysterious musical instrument disappearancesFrom a 17th-Century Italian violin stolen from Japan to Drake's lost Blackberry in Mexico, here are musical lost and found mysteries that rival Sir Paul McCartney's.19 Feb 2024CultureHow opera is aiming for net zeroMany opera companies are working towards full sustainability, and Glyndebourne is among those aiming to be a force for good, according to a new documentary.7 Aug 2023CultureHow opera can be 'open to everyone'Is the world of opera becoming more inclusive? A new documentary, featuring conductor Antonio Pappano, explores the mission to open up the art form to everyone.31 Jul 2023CultureThe nation that is the 'land of song'Opera star Bryn Terfel emerged from an extraordinary cultural heritage and a nation renowned for its love of singing. "It's the air that we breathe," he explains in a new documentary.8 Jun 2023CultureGen Z's latest surprising obsessionA radical new wave of artists are sweeping the previously elite world of classical music – with a little help from fashion. Daisy Woodward explores how classical got cool.14 Jan 2023CultureMore stories6 hrs agoDirector 'comes home' with new Hitchcock musicalJohn Doyle has adapted a 1950s TV series directed by Alfred Hitchcock into a new theatre show.6 hrs agoEngland10 hrs agoAnne Boleyn musical set for her childhood homeOpen auditions are under way for 60 amateurs in west Kent to perform at Hever Castle in August. 10 hrs agoKent10 hrs agoExhibition spotlight's Hastings fishing communityThe Sun Feeds the Wind is an oral history archive telling the story of fishing in Hastings. 10 hrs ago13 hrs agoTheatre group for the homeless set for new showUnderground Lights is run by and for homeless and vulnerable people.13 hrs agoCoventry & Warwickshire18 hrs agoTate Britain to return painting looted by NazisThe 17th Century oil painting was taken from a Jewish Belgian art collector during World War Two. 18 hrs agoCulture22 hrs agoIndian mural that spent decades on Norwegian hospital wall sells for record $13.8mThe 14-foot-wide mural by MF Husain sold for an unprecedented $13.8m (£10.6m) in New York last week.22 hrs agoAsia1 day ago'Amazing' Cornish women in frame at new exhibitionThe achievements of women from a variety of backgrounds are recognised.1 day agoCornwall1 day agoWhy the quaint paintings of Thomas Kinkade divided the USBeloved by many, despised by others, Thomas Kinkade's quaint rustic scenes and his wholesome image belied a dark and tortured story that contrasts with his 'sugary' artworks.1 day agoCulture1 day agoMural highlights importance of fresh water access The design was unveiled at Cabot Circus in Bristol to celebrate World Water Day.1 day agoBristol...
