19 June 2007
The fourth in a series of mini-documentaries featuring TV historian Simon Schama and the Prime Minister has been released on the web.
The films explore the history of 10 Downing Street and are available for viewing on the Prime Minister’s website and the Downing Street YouTube channel.
Watch the fourth episode of the mini-series on the staircase:
- "The Staircase" - YouTube (new window)
- "The Staircase" - Real Player
- "The Staircase" - Windows Media
Watch the third episode of the mini-series on the State Dining Room:
- "The Dining Room" - YouTube (new window)
- "The Dining Room" - Real Player
- "The Dining Room" - Windows Media
Watch the second episode of the mini-series on the Cabinet Room:
- "The Cabinet Room" - YouTube (new window)
- "The Cabinet Room" - Real Player
- "The Cabinet Room" - Windows Media
Watch the first episode of the mini-series on the history of the building and the White Room:
- "The White Room" - YouTube (new window)
- "The White Room" - Windows Media
- "The White Room" - Real Player
Mr Schama, writer and presenter of the books and TV series The History of Britain and The Power of Art, came up with the idea when recording a podcast with Tony Blair earlier this year. Mr Blair expressed his enthusiasm for the project and the two met again to record an overview of the history of an iconic building.
In the films, Mr Schama reviews the history of the building and some of its familiar as well as less well-known areas.
The Prime Minister reveals his fondness for the White Room as a space to meet other leaders as well as find some peace in the house, reflected in the Turner painting on the wall. He also reveals that he spends much of his working time in his study or in the garden.
The two move on to the cabinet room where Mr Schama dwells on how the ghost of Sir Robert Walpole hangs over the boat-shaped (’or coffin shaped’) table, while Mr Blair reveals the similarities between the first occupant of 10 Downing Street and the late Labour leader John Smith.
In the State Dining Room they compare the grandeur of the room designed by Sir John Soane and its current use for press conferences, and on the staircase Mr Schama and Mr Blair ruminate on how past PMs have presented themselves (and how it didn’t help Spencer Percival).
Mr Blair also discusses how he has used and enjoyed the house.