It's the sort of programme you circle in the Radio Times, not so much as a 'must see' but a 'that would be nice if I'm in the mood'. Now time to change it to a 'must see'
A real treasure. Presented by the inimitable Dan Cruickshank, who oozes enthusiasm and respect for his subject. On Sunday we watched as he explained the Masonic significance of the Georgian layout of Bath. Tonight - repeated on Sunday - he showed us the design and engineering of the Forth Bridge. He also showed us the human sacrifice that lay behind its building and expressed his sadness that there is no memorial to the ordinary workers, especially the 57 who died, and his contempt that there is a memorial for the then Prince of Wales who hammered in the final, golden, rivet.
He described it as beautiful, in that every component fulfills its function perfectly. Reverence and awe.
IMHO, Dan Cruickshank is a real star of TV. I don't suppose we willread about him in the tabloids - thank god - but whilst there is Dan Cruickshank, there is a BBC to be proud of.
