Episode Three
Palaces and Pleasuredomes

The reign of George IV has become known for the King's love of spectacle and a seemingly endless array of purchases that filled his royal residences.  In the third episode of the BBC Four series, Andrew Graham-Dixon discovers the works of art acquired and commissioned by George IV - including some of the finest examples of Dutch Art, French furniture, and the magnificent Grand Service, today used at State Banquets - and discovers that art was an integral part of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's happy marriage.  The royal couple were enthusistic patrons of the arts throughout their marriage, commissioning and collecting works from both British and European artists, as well as creating their own.