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.University scholar solves portrait theft mystery The theft of an oil sketch from a stately home in Northamptonshire remained a riddle for 70 years.2 days agoCultureFive 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 moreWatchIs opera still 'elitist and exclusive'?The Travel Show follows soprano Isabelle Peters for exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the London Coliseum.See moreEditor's picksIs this the face of teenage queen Lady Jane Grey?"A compelling argument" can be made as it is the only one painted in her lifetime, say experts.7 Mar 2025Beds, Herts & BucksThe 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 2025CultureEight portraits found hidden inside masterpiecesIn the past month alone, shadowy portraits have been found hidden in longstanding masterpieces by Titian and Picasso. What can they and other such discoveries tell us?22 Feb 2025CultureArt 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 operaThe legendary soprano making a differenceDame Kiri Te Kanawa has enjoyed one of the longest careers in operatic history.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 stories2 hrs agoJason Manford's 'wicked' singing skills2 hrs ago5 hrs agoTheatre company 'saved me' says former prison inmateCheryl Byron says Newcastle theatre company Open Clasp 'turns around' the lives of women prisoners.5 hrs agoWear7 hrs ago'Art became final piece of my Parkinson's jigsaw'"I used to have a tremor in my left hand and that’s disappeared over the last 12 months."7 hrs agoTyne11 hrs agoStrictly dance contest raises £27,000 for charitySixteen amateur dancers perform with professionals at the Albany Theatre in Coventry.11 hrs agoCoventry & Warwickshire22 hrs agoGallery hosts major retrospective of famed artistDavid Remfrey studied at Hull College of Art and is known for his large watercolours depicting New York.22 hrs agoHull & East Yorkshire1 day agoArt event founder was 'incomparable painter'Julia Ball, who helped launch the annual event in 1974, is remembered as "a talented artist".1 day agoCambridgeshire1 day agoPolice hunting more gold toilet heist gang membersFive men were seen on CCTV carrying out the heist, but only two have so far been brought to justice.1 day agoEngland1 day agoQuentin Blake to draw LS Lowry for exhibitionThe free exhibition this summer celebrates one of the country's most popular writers and illustrators.1 day agoManchester2 days agoThe inside story of Blenheim's gold toilet heistThe BBC hears how five raiders escaped with a £4.8m gold toilet, as told by Blenheim Palace staff.2 days agoEngland...
