HistoryFFS

How do a BBC fever dream, Victorian sex scandals, and a secret brotherhood of rebellious artists rewrite what we think we know about the past? In this provocative episode of History for F**k’s Sake host Sarah Dowd is joined by Dr. Alison Smith, Director of Collections and Research at the Wallace Collection, and one of the UK’s leading voices on 19th-century British art and the Victorian nude.Together, they discuss Ken Russell’s wild 1967 film Dante’s Inferno to interrogate the pop-culture myth of the Pre-Raphaelites and pull back the curtain on the revolution these artists launched in the age of upheaval. Exploring how 1848 upended ideas about morality, class, the body, and who gets to tell the stories of beauty and power.Why did the female nude become a political battleground on canvas? Why are we still haunted by Victorian debates over agency and control? And can we ever escape the straitjackets of archetype and respectability whether in art galleries or on TikTok?If you’ve ever wondered why history is never just old news, this is essential listening.Here are the highlights:00:00 Intro: Ken Russell’s Dante’s Inferno, and the Pre-Raphaelite myth01:08 Dr. Alison Smith, her journey through Britain’s top museums and falling for Pre-Raphaelite art02:37 Why Dante’s Inferno is so wild, silly, and unsettling05:38 Victorian art, sexuality, and why the 1960s needed to rebel against it08:03 Who were the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (PRB)13:03 Millais’ Christ in the House of His Parents shocks the Victorians14:13 What happens when the revolutionary spirit falters?17:22 The female form: how the PRB changed the depiction of women20:24 From faces and gestures to the classical revival of the nude22:11 Who narrates women’s stories through art?26:04 Women artists' agency, and why Elizabeth Siddal wasn’t just a “muse”28:28 Female archetypes in the Victorian era -why we’re still trying to break free today30:32 The tension over what museums “should” show33:52 Are we the new Victorians?38:24 Must-see Pre-Raphaelite artworks across Britain40:01 Stained glass, architecture, and why Romantic art makes our hearts soarAbout Dr. Alison Smith, BA, DPhil:Dr Alison Smith is Director of Collections and Research at the Wallace Collection. A leading specialist in nineteenth-century British art, she has previously held senior curatorial roles at the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain, where she spent eighteen years as a curator of British art to 1900. During her time at Tate she curated and co-curated major exhibitions including Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian Avant-Garde, Millais, Exposed: The Victorian Nude, Artist and Empire, and Burne-Jones.Born in Brighton, Alison studied History of Art at the University of Nottingham before completing her MA and PhD at the Courtauld Institute of Art. She has written widely on Victorian art and culture, and her work has played an important role in reinterpreting the Pre-Raphaelites as one of Britain’s first modern art movements.About Sarah Dowd:I’m Sarah Dowd - writer, speaker, heritage and arts consultant, producer, and all-around nerd - here to share the stories of our past that make us laugh, gasp, and mutter: It’s History… For F***k’s Sake.For 25+ years I’ve created immersive, inclusive experiences that bring history alive, from rallying Second World War convoys through London to staging performances between Pearly Kings and Gen Z creatives. My work spans museums, cathedral crypts, pop-up theatres, global brands, and community projects across the UK and beyond.As a Canadian living between the UK and France (with a late ADHD diagnosis that fuels my curiosity and creativity), I zigzag through culture, history, and big ideas, but never boring ones.Every week on HistoryFFS, we explore how history echoes through today, make sure you are following the show so you don’t miss an episode.Connect with Sarah:Website: www.historyffs.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdowd/https://www.linkedin.com/company/historyffs-pod/Substack: @historyffsYouTube: @HistoryFFSPod Instagram: @historyFFSPodTikTok: @historyffspodX: @HistoryFFSPod Bluesky: @historyffs.bsky.socialFollow the show for new episodes exploring the objects, people, and moments that shaped our world. If you want the story AND the sound of the past, this is essential listening.

What connects the myth-busting boulder chases of Indiana Jones, revolutionary political ferment, and the mud-splattered rise of modern archaeology? In this episode of History for F**k’s Sake host Sarah Dowd sits down with Professor Dominic Tweddle, British archaeologist, museum leader, and expert in material culture for an honest, engaging journey through the origins, controversies, and future of digging up history.From the Enlightenment’s curiosity-fuelled societies to the birth of systematic fieldwork, we explore how “holes in the ground” became battlegrounds for cultural meaning, power, and academic integrity. The episode traces archaeology’s evolution from treasure hunting and grave robbing, through the foundations of research and recording, into the revolutionary impact of pop culture (hello, Raiders of the Lost Ark) and immersive museum experiences like the Jorvik Viking Centre.Whether you’re a history buff, a museum geek, or just want to know why a Viking street in York was a game-changer, this is essential listening for anyone curious about who gets to control the narrative of the past and how.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction: Pop culture’s impact on archaeology02:02 Professor Dominic Tweddle’s journey04:11 British Museum, hands-on with Sutton Hoo and medieval collections05:15 The Coppergate Viking dig opens up a new era for public engagement07:27 The genesis of Jorvik Viking Centre09:45 Creating Jorvik Viking Centre: Reconstructing Viking York, immersive soundscapes, early museum innovation15:55 Jorvik legacy, longevity, refurbishment, and financial impact16:28 Raiders of the Lost Ark, its accuracy, and influence on archaeology21:46 Antiquarianism, treasure hunting, and early excavation methods22:31 The evolution of archaeological practice34:02 Contemporary archaeology: What’s going right and wrongAbout Professor Dominic Tweddle, BA, PhD, FSA, FSA Scot, MCIfA:Dominic began his career as an archaeologist and historian at the British Museum before joining the York Archaeological Trust, where he was Assistant Director. He is a noted Anglo-Saxon and Viking specialist. In York, Dominic was a key member of the team that developed the ground-breaking Jorvik Viking Centre.From there, he developed his own successful business, which designed, built, owned, and operated visitor attractions in the cultural heritage field across the globe. In 2008, Dominic sold his shares in the business.He was appointed the first Director General of the new National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) in 2009. In that role, he merged the four existing museums into a coherent whole and, through twelve mergers or acquisitions, brought eight historic warships, including HMS Victory, into the group. He built the turnover of the business from £6.5 million to £24 million a year and attracted £180 million in investment. Dominic retired in late 2023.He is currently Chairman of the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust, the leading UK charity working in the protection of underwater heritage, and is also writing a book on the Spanish Armada.Dominic has written seven other books, five of them major academic works, and two children’s books. One, Growing Up in Viking Times, became a slightly unexpected bestseller.About Sarah Dowd:I’m Sarah Dowd - writer, speaker, heritage and arts consultant, producer, and all-around nerd - here to share the stories of our past that make us laugh, gasp, and mutter: It’s History… For F***k’s Sake.For 25+ years, I’ve created immersive, inclusive experiences that bring history alive, from rallying Second World War convoys through London to staging performances between Pearly Kings and Gen Z creatives. My work spans museums, cathedral crypts, pop-up theatres, global brands, and community projects across the UK and beyond.As a Canadian living between the UK and France (with a late ADHD diagnosis that fuels my curiosity and creativity), I zigzag through culture, history, and big ideas, but never boring ones.Every week on HistoryFFS, we explore how history echoes through today, make sure you are following the show so you don’t miss an episode.Connect with Sarah:Website: www.historyffs.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdowd/https://www.linkedin.com/company/historyffs-pod/Substack: @historyffsYouTube: @HistoryFFSPod Instagram: @historyFFSPodTikTok: @historyffspodX: @HistoryFFSPod Bluesky: @historyffs.bsky.socialFollow the show for new episodes exploring the objects, people, and moments that shaped our world. If you want the story AND the sound of the past, this is essential listening.

I’m so excited to share a sneak peek of what’s coming up this season. This time, we’re really stretching the boundaries, exploring moments in history that changed the way people think, create, and challenge the world around them. You’ll hear threads running through art, literature, science, film, and those ever-present debates about whose stories get told. Some moments might feel far away, but others are surprisingly close and totally relevant today.This season, I’ll be joined by fascinating guests like Professor Dominic Tweddle, an acclaimed archaeologist and former Director General of the National Museum of the Royal Navy for a critical look at the 45th anniversary of Raiders of the Lost Ark, why he has serious issues with it, and what it gets completely wrong about the field. And that's just one highlight! Heritage Counsel and fellow podcaster Clarissa Levi will also be joining to discuss the cultural impact of possessions, inheritance, and how our obsession with collecting really kicked off during the Industrial Revolution.Plus, this season isn’t just about what you hear in your podcast feed. We’re launching a History FFS Substack for deeper dives, newsletters, and a space for all of us to keep the conversation going. I’ll be sharing even more creative content and connections across our social platforms, so if you haven’t followed us yet, now's the perfect time to jump in.Catch up on season 1 if you haven’t already, and buckle up for an even more ambitious second season. We’re just getting started.About Sarah Dowd: I’m Sarah Dowd - writer, speaker, heritage and arts consultant, producer, and all-around nerd - here to share the stories of our past that make us laugh, gasp, and mutter: It’s History… For F***k’s Sake.For 25+ years I’ve created immersive, inclusive experiences that bring history alive, from rallying Second World War convoys through London to staging performances between Pearly Kings and Gen Z creatives. My work spans museums, cathedral crypts, pop-up theatres, global brands, and community projects across the UK and beyond.As a Canadian living between the UK and France (with a late ADHD diagnosis that fuels my curiosity and creativity), I zigzag through culture, history, and big ideas, but never boring ones.Every week on HistoryFFS, we learn lessons from the past and explore how history echoes through to the present.Follow @HistoryFFS on Substack or on our socials because we’re all making history, one ridiculous, wonderful moment at a time.Connect with Sarah:Website: www.historyffs.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdowd/https://www.linkedin.com/company/historyffs-pod/Substack: @historyffsYouTube: @HistoryFFSPod Instagram: @historyFFSPodTikTok: @historyffspodX: @HistoryFFSPod Bluesky: @historyffs.bsky.socialFollow or subscribe to the show for new episodes exploring the objects, people, and moments that shaped our world. If you want the story AND the sound of the past, this is essential listening.

Hey, I’m Sarah Dowd, your host here on History FFS! You know, I never imagined I’d end up hosting a history podcast. I grew up in Toronto in a house filled with stories and questions, and I was always the curious kid who didn’t believe there was just one right way to belong. For me, history isn’t just about dates or facts, it’s about people, emotions, culture, and the ways the past keeps echoing through our lives.I’ve spent over 15 years as an entrepreneur, working with museums, artists, and communities through my heritage consultancy, The Tricolor Collective. I also run Les Raconteurs, an immersive storytelling company, and share my thoughts on creativity, history, and meaning through my own platform, Sarah in Three Colors.And in case you’re wondering, yes, I have ADHD, and it makes me extra curious and always connecting unusual dots. I’m not here as some all-knowing expert. History FFS is all about paying attention, being curious, and believing you don’t need anyone’s permission to ask questions and make connections. If you love culture, stories, and think history should feel as alive as it really is, you’re absolutely in the right place. Let’s explore this together!About Sarah Dowd: I’m Sarah Dowd - writer, speaker, heritage and arts consultant, producer, and all-around nerd - here to share the stories of our past that make us laugh, gasp, and mutter: It’s History… For F***k’s Sake.For 25+ years I’ve created immersive, inclusive experiences that bring history alive, from rallying Second World War convoys through London to staging performances between Pearly Kings and Gen Z creatives. My work spans museums, cathedral crypts, pop-up theatres, global brands, and community projects across the UK and beyond.As a Canadian living between the UK and France (with a late ADHD diagnosis that fuels my curiosity and creativity), I zigzag through culture, history, and big ideas, but never boring ones.Every week on HistoryFFS, we explore how history echoes through today, from Drag Race to prefab tiny houses, with voices from musicians to mischief-makers.Follow @HistoryFFS on Substack or on our socials because we’re all making history, one ridiculous, wonderful moment at a time.Connect with Sarah:Website: www.historyffs.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdowd/https://www.linkedin.com/company/historyffs-pod/Substack: @historyffsYouTube: @HistoryFFSPod Instagram: @historyFFSPodTikTok: @historyffspodX: @HistoryFFSPod Bluesky: @historyffs.bsky.socialFollow the show for new episodes exploring the objects, people, and moments that shaped our world. If you want the story AND the sound of the past, this is essential listening.

Why did we start this podcast show? Because history is everywhere, but too often it’s treated like it belongs to a small group of people. It’s boxed up, polished, told in ways that feel distant, intimidating, or flat and that’s never made sense to me. History isn’t just something that happened; it’s something we live with every day. It shapes our culture, our creativity, our politics, our identities, most of the time without us even realising it.History lives in the films and music we love, the books and buildings we see, in performances, protests, fashions, failures, and even in our everyday choices. This podcast exists to pull history out of the textbook and put it back where it belongs: in conversation, in creativity, in the present. I’m not here to deliver answers, but to ask better questions. Because loving history doesn’t mean memorising facts, it means noticing patterns, making connections, and seeing how the past keeps nudging the present and how we’re shaping the future in return.History shouldn’t feel gated or polite or finished. It should feel alive, messy, and human. That’s why this show exists, this is History for F**k’s Sake.About Sarah Dowd: I’m Sarah Dowd - writer, speaker, heritage and arts consultant, producer, and all-around nerd - here to share the stories of our past that make us laugh, gasp, and mutter: It’s History… For F***k’s Sake.For 25+ years I’ve created immersive, inclusive experiences that bring history alive, from rallying Second World War convoys through London to staging performances between Pearly Kings and Gen Z creatives. My work spans museums, cathedral crypts, pop-up theatres, global brands, and community projects across the UK and beyond.As a Canadian living between the UK and France (with a late ADHD diagnosis that fuels my curiosity and creativity), I zigzag through culture, history, and big ideas, but never boring ones.Every week on HistoryFFS, we explore how history echoes through today, from Drag Race to prefab tiny houses, with voices from musicians to mischief-makers.Follow @HistoryFFS on Substack or on our socials because we’re all making history, one ridiculous, wonderful moment at a time.Connect with Sarah:Website: www.historyffs.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdowd/https://www.linkedin.com/company/historyffs-pod/Substack: @historyffsYouTube: @HistoryFFSPod Instagram: @historyFFSPodTikTok: @historyffspodX: @HistoryFFSPod Bluesky: @historyffs.bsky.socialFollow the show for new episodes exploring the objects, people, and moments that shaped our world. If you want the story AND the sound of the past, this is essential listening.