TV : Documentary : TV quality : English


In this four part series, author Peter Ackroyd explores the Thames, meeting people whose lives are interlinked with it and discovering how painters, writers and musicians have portrayed it. Originally transmitted from 08 August to 05 September 2008 on ITV.



Part 1 - 8th August 2008 20:00 - 20:30
The celebrated author explores the course of the 'Sacred River', meeting people whose lives are interlinked with it and discovering how painters, writers and musicians have responded to it through the ages. He begins by establishing the disputed source and talks to archaeologists digging for treasure in the mud of a riverbank.

Part 2 - 15th August 2008 20:00 - 20:30
The author explores the work of artists Turner and Whistler and meets photographer Harry Cory Wright. He also attempts to capture the Thames at dawn using a Victorian glass-plate camera and turn the piece into a work of art.

Part 3 - 22nd August 2008 20:00 - 20:30
The author tells the story of the London docks of the 18th and 19th century and how they handled the trade of the world. He also travels upriver to quieter waters where Londoners once spent their holidays.

Part 4 - 5th September 2008 20:00 - 20:30
The journey ends with a look at noted writers, including John Milton, Alexander Pope, Charles Dickens and Kenneth Grahame, who are thought to have a special relationship with the 'sacred river' and Peter Ackroyd visits the wild and desolate estuary, where ships head for the open sea. Last in series.



Enjoy and Seed!!