Culture

Our curated articles offering new takes on the big themes and questions in our culture. Plus reviews of books, film, media and experiences. Culture is one of four key themes covered by Seen & Unseen.

Review
  1. Atheism
  2. Belief
A painting depicts two wrestlers on the ring mat, watched by eager fans.

David Baddiel's wrestle with the God desire

Krish Kandiah
David Baddiel’s short book is important, writes Krish Kandiah, as it represents an internal wrestling match that many can relate to.
7min read
Explainer
  1. Culture
  2. Royalty
an etching shows William and Mary is a classical scene, priests stand to their right while dogs chew bones at their feet.

How faith helped the monarchy flex

Ian Bradley
Understanding how the British monarchy has evolved, means understanding its foundation in faith. Ian Bradley explains.
4min read
Podcast
  1. Culture
  2. Re-enchanting
Two scientists talk to each other at console in a space mission control room.

Re-enchanting... the universe

Belle Tindall
In this third episode of Re-enchanting, Belle and Justin talk all things space with astronomer, author, and speaker, Dr Jennifer Wiseman.
1min read
Explainer
  1. Culture
  2. Royalty
A medieval illustration of King David being anointed by Samuel

Why we make kings

Ian Bradley
As the new King's coronation approaches, Ian Bradley explores the deep roots of kingship as an answer to anarchy and disorder.
4min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
A woman stands in a kitchen diner hold a phone with a cord.

Don't stop believin'

Yaroslav Walker
Air is a biopic you can believe in, says Yaroslav Walker, thanks to an awesome soundtrack and the hint of deeper themes.
3min read
Podcast
  1. Books
  2. Culture
A man sits and speaks into a microphone beside him on a table, while gesturing with his hand. Behind, Big Ben is on the skyline.

Re-enchanting... reading and writing

Nick Jones
"We are culture making creatures", says Francis Spufford, on the latest episode of Re-enchanting - Seen & Unseen's new podcast series.
1min read
Review
  1. Art
  2. Culture
A relief sculpture shows the Madonna hold the infant Christ close to her face.

Carving joy and suffering – what Donatello’s sculpture captures

Sara Schumacher
The pioneering sculpture of Donatello presents emotional urgency. Sara Schumacher reflects on his art.
4min read
Review
  1. Ambition
  2. Books
A painting of an 18th Century servant bent over a washing tub.

Forgetting the big ideas

Nick Jones
How to collect ideas that have changed the world. Nick Jones reviews A History of Ideas.
3min read
Article
  1. Culture
  2. Re-enchanting
An oak tree stands over a field and fence, behind which, in the distance, rises a man made hill with a flat top.

A prophet in springtime

Andrew Rumsey
A visit to a spring, surrounded by marks of belonging, prompts Andrew Rumsey to consider the purpose of property.
4min read
Review
  1. Books
  2. Climate
The head and torso of a mannequin lie abandoned in undergrowth

The rude guests

Hannah Eves
The Earth Transformed chronicles what happens when civilisation comes up against environmental change. Hannah Eves reviews Peter Frankopan’s analysis.
4min read
Article
  1. Culture
  2. Re-enchanting
A view of a lightly misted valley to mountains in a desert area.

The falcon’s call

Anthony Baker
Awed by an encounter with a bird of prey high above a Texas river, Anthony Baker ponders both the place and his place.
4min read
Essay
  1. Culture
  2. Re-enchanting
A ploughed field of red soil is in the foreground, sloping down into a valley with a track and green fields beyond

A place on Earth

Elizabeth Wainwright
Pondering the power of a place, Elizabeth Wainwright believes it roots us and asks us to play our part here and beyond.
7min read