ArtsWhy David Hockney's 1967 masterpiece is newly poignant after his deathIn the wake of legendary British artist David Hockney's death, aged 88, his famous meditation on presence and absence, A Bigger Splash, takes on a new meaning.How the dark, violent medieval origins of Robin Hood were erasedRobin Hood began as an oral tradition in the 12th Century before morphing into a heroic, family-friendly stereotype – here's how new takes are restoring his dark side.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.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 historyWhistler Mother is a US icon - here's why the artist would've hated its successAt first overlooked, Whistler's 1871 painting of his mother rose to fame over decades to become considered a national masterpiece, a maternal figurehead and a diverse meme.'A dark and violent scene': The 1927 painting that foretold Germany's downfall'Hideous': The controversy over Picasso's most shocking paintingThe artworks that inspired eight Met Gala looksWhy this 16th-Century painting isn't what it seemsDocumentariesThe Genius of PalacesIn Search of the BrontësThe World's Greatest PaintingsAncient Treasures with Bettany HughesArt That Made UsMozart In LondonBecoming Frida KahloShakespeare: Rise of a GeniusAround the world10 of the best books of 2026 so farFrom a darkly comic tale of revenge to a beautiful contemplation on friendship, here are the year's most acclaimed works of fiction so far.How a little town became Japan's unexpected art havenOnce polluted and suffering from depopulation, Naoshima has become Japan's hottest contemporary art enclave – and there are signs that life there may be finally rebounding.The woman 'who beat Disney by a decade'German director Lotte Reiniger's The Adventures of Prince Achmed was released a century ago in 1926 – and now stands as the world's oldest animated feature filmLord of The Flies' study of hate and division has never been more relevantWilliam Golding's story of boys descending into violence is a 20th-Century classic. Now Adolescence writer Jack Thorne is behind a new TV version speaking to a rancorous world.WatchThe forbidden erotica of ancient PompeiiA unique collection of erotic art was found perfectly preserved in the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.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 agoWatch: Artist's 'ghost fleet' of sunken model shipsNils Lagergren builds small ships, sinks them and lets nature turn them into haunting wrecks.11 hrs ago18 hrs agoLondon transport audio tour created for PrideThe tour explores art at stations including Bethnal Green, Notting Hill Gate and St James's Park.18 hrs ago1 day agoGainsborough chalk drawing to go under the hammerThe drawing, which proves the artist's skill as a young man, could fetch between £30,000 and £50,000.1 day ago1 day agoWest End theatre to be named after Dame Judi DenchThe Shaftesbury Theatre is to be renamed to honour Dame Judi's contribution to the performing arts.1 day ago1 day agoAutistic artist's delight as Branson buys paintingRhys Caldwell-Clarkson says Sir Richard Branson's purchase is a huge encouragement.1 day ago1 day agoPaddington musical set for Broadway debutThe production will launch in the US at New York's Al Hirschfeld Theatre in March 2027.1 day ago2 days ago'Thank you, David Hockney, for transforming my life'David Hockney's support for City of Culture project Draw! saw 6,000 people submit art work in 2025.2 days ago2 days agoAutistic artist's delight as Branson buys paintingSir Richard Branson discovered Rhys Caldwell-Clarkson's work after the BBC reported on his story.2 days ago2 days agoMonarch of the Glen 'sister painting' could fetch £4m at auctionScene in Braemar, which will go under the hammer next month, last appeared at auction in 1994 when it was sold for £793,500.2 days ago2 days agoConstable painting on display for first time in 60 yearsThe oil painting, created in 1820, is on loan to Salisbury Museum until 2030.2 days ago2 days agoDrag queen La Voix returns to stage in Annie The MusicalDrag queen La Voix returns to stage in Annie The Musical as Miss Hannigan2 days ago2 days agoVenue operator invests £25m to reopen hippodromeAcademy Music Group's chief operating officer says it will be a "privilege" to reopen the venue.2 days ago4 days agoIn pictures: Recycled art project transforms churchThe Waterfall Garden installation at a New Forest church took volunteers about nine months to create.4 days ago4 days agoDeptford: A colourful high street loved by localsArtist Patricio Forrester says murals bring Deptford High Street "together as a community".4 days ago4 days agoElves, fairies and goblins restored to Elfin OakCarvings of elves, fairies, goblins, witches have been returned to the Elfin Oak in central London.4 days ago...
