Victorian Passions
Season guide
Victorian Passions is a season of four films set to challenge our image of Victorian Britain as a buttoned up, prudish and unsmiling society.
From Queen Victoria's own passionate relationships, to the story of Arthur Munby and his servant lover, these films lift the lid on another side to Victorian life and challenge some of our long-held myths.
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Queen Victoria's Men
Picture gallery
A visual history of Queen Victoria as she was portrayed in paintings and photography of the day.
Also in this section:
Opinion – the show experts give us their views
The Victorian Sex Explorer
Picture gallery
Ahead of his times or dubious undercover agent? Images of Victorian explorer, translator and orientalist, Sir Richard Francis Burton.
Also in this section:
Gallery tour – with Rupert Everett
Dickens' Secret Lover
Dickens' Secrets
Dickens expert John Bowen says Dickens' life was twice broken by deep divisions that left guilty and shameful secrets.
Upstairs Downstairs Love
Challenging society head on
Author of 'Love & Dirt', Diane Atkinson, describes the forbidden love of a Victorian barrister and his maid servant.
Also in this section:
Competition – win a copy of Diane Atkinson's 'Love & Dirt'



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