ArtsWhy smash-hit tradwife satire Yesteryear is 2026's most divisive bookCaro Claire Burke's Yesteryear is the book of the season – and quite likely the year, too. Here's why the satirical novel about tradwives and womanhood has everybody talking.As WW2 loomed, a royal picnic helped forge the US-UK 'special relationship' A new play relives the first time a British monarch visited the US – as the Nazis were advancing in Europe, the president invited the king for hot dogs on the lawn of his country home.The 85-year-old living in her own art installationAfter careers as a teacher, cookbook author and TV chef, Sue Kreitzman's life took a different path.Arts in MotionRolex and the ArtsThrough its Perpetual Arts Initiative, Rolex supports world-leading cultural institutions and exceptional artists, in the spirit of celebrating excellence and promoting the transmission of knowledge to new generations.See moreArt historyThe 1920s paintings that changed how the world saw Canada The Group of Seven helped create a distinct, modern Canadian identity in the 1920s. What is their legacy – and how does their work relate to a 1970s group of Indigenous artists?The image that fuelled the American RevolutionHow Lincoln's face ended up in a fake portraitWhat this Frida Kahlo painting tells us about her most intimate vulnerabilitiesDocumentariesRenaissance: The Blood and the BeautyVersailles: The Dream of a KingAmanda and Alan's Italian JobRethinking King George III: In Ten PortraitsThe Genius of PalacesIn Search of the BrontësThe World's Greatest PaintingsAround the worldInside eight of the best fashion designers' homesEach of these remarkable interiors reflects its creative owner's unique vision – from a British bohemian-lady-of-the-manor style to a 14th-Century Florentine palazzo.Five key scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry, and the story they tellIt depicts a medieval game of thrones as William the Conquerer did battle with King Harold to rule England.What ancient women really thought about sexAuthor Daisy Dunn's book, The Missing Thread, tells the history of the ancient world through women.10 intimate images of a lost, decadent 1930s ParisMoving "from the slums to the exclusive salons", Brassaï captured the brothels, gay bars and backstreets of Paris's hazy night-time in its radical inter-war years.Watch'The male nude is still a taboo'Can the male body be eroticised like women’s? London-based photographer Yushi Li explores the subject.See moreClassical musicThe music that keeps animals calmYou can find many different playlists for dogs and cats online. However, not all styles of music are effective.How the Psycho music score changed film foreverAlfred Hitchcock's grisly horror might not have become a classic without composer Bernard Herrmann's disturbing score.Does Notre-Dame still sound the same?Performers and visitors to the famous gothic cathedral in the midst of the River Seine may find some subtle differences to the way sound bounces around its walls.How music saved a cellist's life in AuschwitzAfter being sent to the Nazi death camp in 1943, Anita Lasker survived by playing in its women's orchestra. In 1996, she spoke to the BBC about her ordeal.The most misunderstood Oscar winner everMiloš Forman's best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film's critics could be missing the point.A look back at operatic legend Maria Callas' lifeGreek-American soprano Maria Callas, hailed as one of the greatest singers in operatic history, remains an icon for young performers today.More Arts stories11 hrs agoBBC's Fake or Fortune uncovers 'enormously important' painting worth £100,000The painting by the 18th Century Scottish artist Katherine Read is thought to be worth more than £100,000.11 hrs ago1 day agoArt student presents portrait to London mayorArts University Bournemouth student Tia Mirza presented her painting to Sadiq Khan at City Hall.1 day ago2 days ago10 of Japan's most cleverly designed homesFrom an ingenious home with guest annexe attached, to a micro house in Tokyo that opens like a shell, and a home for both cats and humans – here are 10 innovative Japanese dwellings.2 days ago2 days agoBirthday bash at cinema where Beatles playedPeople are urged to share their memories of The Reel cinema in Plymouth during the pavement party.2 days ago4 days agoI danced every day for a week to improve my brainpowerFrom improved concentration to higher creativity, dancing offers a range of brain-boosting benefits. And you don't need to spend hours on the dance floor to feel the effects.4 days ago4 days agoAvenue Q lessons stand the test of time, says castThe West End show is celebrating 20 years since it made its London debut.4 days ago6 days agoMural of mayor who fed stray cats is unveiledRalph Fletcher is known for writing one of the first texts arguing against animal cruelty in 1846.6 days ago6 days agoSigned Hockney print found in a book sells for £41KThe print, found in a book donated to a Salvation Army shop, is snapped up by an anonymous bidder.6 days ago6 days ago'I never dreamed I'd go on stage completely bald'Actor and writer Emily Glaze is taking a one-woman show about alopecia to the Edinburgh Fringe.6 days ago6 days agoThe mystery of 10 green bottles on a wallPeople have been scratching their heads over the mystery of the green bottles.6 days ago7 days agoPaddington star worried height would hinder her careerArti Shah, a performer on Paddington the Musical, sat down with the BBC Asian Network to discuss playing the bear.7 days ago7 days agoDonning protective kit for a first glance at the Bayeux TapestryThe 70m-long 11th Century embroidery is to go on display at the British Museum, after it arrived in from France last week.7 days ago7 days ago10 of the World Cup's most striking images - as historic artworksAs the 2026 World Cup draws to a close, the BBC rounds up some of the most stunning photos captured from the tournament – and reveals their similarities to classic works of art.7 days ago7 days agoPainting the cost of living on people's facesCounty Tyrone artist Jade Magee says she wanted to reflect the stories of ordinary people and their resilience. 7 days ago7 days agoBear Hunt artist returns to where her story beganThe Ipswich exhibition, Adventures in Childhood, will feature 50 illustrations by Helen Oxenbury.7 days ago...
