The Face of Britain by Simon Schama poster

TV series

The Face of Britain by Simon Schama

20151 season

Simon Schama explores the history of British portraiture, revealing the stories behind the most compelling images in British art and examining the ways portraiture is used to make a statement.

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Checked Jul 22, 2026

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Synopsis

Simon Schama explores the history of British portraiture, revealing the stories behind the most compelling images in British art and examining the ways portraiture is used to make a statement.

Season 1 episodes

Watch options above are for the show and may vary by season or episode.

Episode 1

The Face of Power

Simon Schama explores the history of British portraiture. Simon looks at the eternal power of portraiture and sees how it can foster loyalty and control.

Episode 2

Faces of the People

Simon Schama explores the history of British portraiture. Simon looks at artists who have created images of people who would otherwise have been forgotten.

Episode 3

The Face of Fame

Simon Schama explores the history of British portraiture. Simon looks at portraits of the famous and examines the celebrated faces of Britain's past and present.

Episode 4

The Look of Love

Simon Schama explores the history of British portraiture. Simon explores how love portraits allow us to fulfil our craving to keep the ones we love close to us.

Episode 5

The Face in the Mirror

Simon Schama explores the history of British portraiture. Here, Simon looks at the complex motivations behind some of the most intriguing self-portraits.

Episode information updated Jul 22, 2026