The new live debate show that looks at how we value culture presented by Lawrence Pollard.
Wednesdays 9:00-9:45 Rpt 21:30-22:00
The programme that attempts to put a price on culture presented by Lawrence Pollard. Each week two “national treasures” are pitted against each other to determine which has the most cultural value.
Wednesday 5 September 2007
Lawrence Pollard and guests consider the ways in which we value our culture. Looking back over the series in which a variety of national treasures – from landscapes to buildings and works of art – have been examined for both their practical and non-monetary value, the programme asks if politicians and funding agencies should adopt a new approach to culture.
Poussin's Seven Sacraments v Chatterley Whitfield Colliery
Which is more deserving of £80 million, Poussin's religious paintings or Chatterley Whitfield Colliery, the largest surviving Victorian coalmine? Industrial archaeologist Kate Clark champions the colliery while National Gallery curator David Jaffe speaks for the Poussins.
Canterbury Cathedral v Damien Hirst's For The Love Of God Jonathan Foyle calls for the urgent restoration of Canterbury Cathedral’s ageing infrastructure, while style guru Stephen Bayley argues that Damien Hirst’s diamond-encrusted skull should be bought for the nation.
The Cutty Sark v BFI National Film Archive
Director Terence Davies champions the world's largest film archive, in danger of decay, while Colin White argues for the famous tea clipper, recently damaged by fire.
Stonehenge v the Thames Estuary Germaine Greer champions the vast natural resource of the Thames Estuary while historian Tristram Hunt argues for Stonehenge, one of the world's great heritage sites.
Lawrence Pollard is the arts correspondent of the BBC World Service, based in London but has reported from Africa, America and Asia. He's also presented and reported for Radios 3 and 4 and BBC2 TV.
Have Your Say and Vote
Which is more deserving of investment? Let us know what you think and cast your vote. Send us your views.
Lawrence Pollard is the arts correspondent of the BBC World Service, based in London but has reported from Africa, America and Asia. He's also presented and reported for Radios 3 and 4 and BBC2 TV.
