Waldy and Bendy’s Adventures in Art
Arts
About
I’m Waldemar Januszczak, art critic of the Sunday Times - Waldy to my friends! - and with my co-host Bendor ‘Bendy’ Grosvenor, the celebrated art historian and TV giant, we’re going to be looking at interesting things that are happening in art.
Episodes
- Season 6, Episode 4: Live at Gloucester History Festival
In this episode, Waldy and Bendy discuss their favorite English Civil War paintings. The episode was recorded live at the Gloucester History Festival.
- Season 6, Episode 3: How art invented the Devil
In this episode, Waldy and Bendy discuss the horses featured in the Stubbs exhibition at the National Gallery and explore historical artistic depictions of the devil.
- Season 6, Episode 2: Bombs, Leonardo and Motherhood
Waldy and Bendy discuss conflict in Iran, Russia at the Venice Biennale, and Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi. Additionally, Bendy shares experiences from TEFAF, and Waldy reflects on Mother's Day through the work of Alice Neel.
- Season 6, Episode 1: Rembrandt, Tamara de Lempicka and Joan Carlile
Waldy and Bendy discuss a newly reinstated Rembrandt painting and the decline of art history education. They also mark International Women's Day with a debate on underrated woman artists, featuring Tamara de Lempicka and Joan Carlile.
- Season 5, Episode 25: The Worst Haircuts in Art and Waldy returns to Iran
Waldy and Bendy explore Iranian art and discuss examples of bad haircuts in art history.
- Season 5, Episode 24: Fallen Royals and Tracey Emin
Waldy and Bendy discuss depictions of fallen public figures in art, inspired by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. They also cover the Tracey Emin exhibition at Tate Modern.
- Season 5, Episode 23: Apocalypse Special & Waldy is Back!
Waldy and Bendy reunite to discuss recent art world news. The episode also features a segment on identifying the best apocalyptic horse in art.
- Season 5, Episode 22: Interview with Susan Owens
In this episode, Bendy interviews author Susan Owens regarding her latest book, Constable's Year.
- Season 5, Episode 21: How Turner invented modern art
In this solo episode, Bendy explores the life and work of JMW Turner and his influence on modern art.
- Season 5, Episode 20: The Wilton Diptych - A Medieval Mystery
Bendy explores The Wilton Diptych in this episode of Waldy and Bendy’s Adventures in Art. The discussion focuses on the medieval artwork while Waldy is away.
- Season 05, Episode 19: The secrets of art restoration with Simon Gillespie
In this episode of Waldy and Bendy’s Adventures in Art, Bendor speaks with art restorer Simon Gillespie about the field of art restoration.
- Season 5, Episode 18: Bendy’s Deep Dive: The Ambassadors by Holbein
In this episode, Bendy takes Waldy on an in-depth exploration of Hans Holbein the Younger's painting, The Ambassadors. The discussion covers details and analysis of the famous artwork.
- Season 5, Episode 17: Interview with Damien Hirst
In this episode of Waldy and Bendy’s Adventures in Art, Waldy interviews artist Damien Hirst. They discuss Hirst's grotto design, his use of precious stones, and perspectives on the value of art.
- Season 5, Episode 16: Looking ahead
In this episode, Waldy and Bendy look ahead at some of the art shows scheduled for 2026.
- Season 5, Episode 15: Answering your questions
In this episode of Waldy and Bendy’s Adventures in Art, the hosts answer questions from listeners to conclude the Christmas season.
- Season 5, Episode 14: How art invented Santa Claus
Waldy and Bendy explore the history of Santa Claus in art and choose paintings for their walls, featuring an Abstract Expressionist work and a nativity scene.
- Season 5, Episode 13: Why Tate’s on strike; Amrita Sher-Gil; and the secrets of gothic architecture
In this episode, Waldy and Bendy discuss museum strikes, the anniversary of artist Amrita Sher-Gil, and explore various gothic cathedrals.
- Season 5, Episode 12: Cupid meets Constable and Turner
In Season 5, Episode 12, Waldy and Bendy discuss art as a tool to face fears. The episode features a conversation with Xavier Bray about Caravaggio's Cupid and explores whether Turner or Constable is the superior artist.
- Season 5, Episode 11: Auction records smashed, Bosch, and Holbein
This episode covers recent high-value art sales. Guests discuss a new book on Holbein and analyze Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights.
- Season 5, Episode 10: Saints, Sinners and Forgers
Waldy and Bendy explore London's art scene, interview Shaun Greenhalgh, a notable art forger, and begin a series on identifying saints in art, starting with Mary Magdalene.
- Season 5, Episode 9: Why are royal portraits so ugly?
In Season 5, Episode 9, Waldy and Bendy discuss the state of arts programming on the BBC and present the Waldy and Bendy Awards for the ugliest royal portraits. The episode also includes an interview with Andrew Graham-Dixon discussing his…
- Season 5, Episode 8: Should art be on the NHS?
Waldy and Bendy discuss the role of art in the NHS and its health benefits. They also visit the Joseph Wright of Derby exhibition at The National Gallery, and Waldy speaks with Katy Hessel about her new book.
- Season 5, Episode 7: Doom, death and fires
In Season 5, Episode 7, Waldy and Bendy hunt for scary art for Halloween. They also touch on King Charles III praying with the Pope and the anniversary of 1666.
- Season 5, Episode 6: Robberies, parties and nudes
Waldy and Bendy discuss art world events including the Louvre robbery and Frieze art fair. They also touch on Rome, Christina J. Faraday's new book, and a Manet painting.
- Season 5, Episode 5: Is graffiti art?
In this episode, Waldy and Bendy debate the artistic merit of graffiti while seeking unfinished artworks. Bendy also shares personal anecdotes about acquiring art for his home from notable institutions.
- Season 5, Episode 4: Picasso, El Greco and some benches
In this episode, Waldy and Bendy revisit Swangate and discuss the upcoming sale of National Gallery benches. They also present their award for the best forgotten artist, with Waldy selecting a Picasso.
- Season 5, Episode 3: Swans, Brothels, and Trump
Waldy and Bendy discuss swan imagery in art and historical precedents for lavish White House decor. Sir Thomas Lawrence's painting and its potential link to Michelangelo are also featured.
- Season 5, Episode 2: Booze, Monk, and Condoms
In Season 5, Episode 2, Waldy and Bendy explore the art market and highlight the top 5 drinking pictures in art. The episode features a sculpture of Christ and a discussion of Michelangelo.
- Season 5, Episode 1: Michelangelo's Balls
Waldy and Bendy's Adventures in Art returns with Season 5, Episode 1. This episode covers the National Gallery's expansion plans, a new series by Waldy, and Bendy's unexpected selection for 'On The Wall'.
- Tracey Emin Interview
In this episode, Waldemar interviews British artist Tracey Emin about her recent experiences, including her holiday, recovering from cancer, and her future aspirations in Margate, discussed during a conversation while Waldemar was flying o…
- Christmas Special 2021 part 2
The second part of the Waldy & Bendy Christmas and New Year Special reviews the year in art for 2021, highlighting notable artists and discussing the year's challenges.
- Christmas Special 2021 Part 1
Waldy and Bendy celebrate their Christmas and New Year Special in Part 1 by meeting and discussing the best trees in art. Show notes are available on their website.
- Season 3, Episode 19
Waldy and Bendy conclude their season by visiting Bendor Grosvenor's Farm to explore depictions of birds in art and review their favorite art experiences from the lockdown period.
- Season 3, Episode 18
In this episode of Waldy and Bendy's Adventures in Art, the hosts participate in a Line of Duty special and engage in a Battle of the Baroque.
- Season 3, Episode 17
In this episode, Waldy and Bendy cover recent art world news and highlight notable gardens depicted in art.
- Season 3, Episode 16
In this episode, Waldy and Bendy seek out artistic representations of St George. Waldy interviews Yoko Ono, and Bendy explores the Battle of Britain.
- Season 3, Episode 15
To celebrate pub reopenings, Waldy and Bendy explore famous drinking scenes in art. They also speak with Lloyd Grossman about his new book focused on Bernini.
- Season 3, Episode 14
In this digital special, Waldy and Bendy embark on a Metaverse adventure, change their names, and continue their quest for the best horse picture in art, with a special mention of Beyoncé.
- Season 3, Episode 13
The Easter Special of Waldy and Bendy's Adventures in Art focuses on depictions of eggs in art. The episode also features a conversation between Waldy and David Hockney discussing spring.
- Season 3, Episode 12
In this episode, Waldy and Bendy hunt for the best horse depiction in art at Bendor Grosvenor's farm. Waldy shares how Caspar David Friedrich impacted his TV career, and Bendy recounts a visit to the Queen.
- Season 3, Episode 11
In Season 3, Episode 11 of Waldy and Bendy’s Adventures in Art, the hosts cover recent art world news and the future of museums. Bendy interviews a prominent author on the topic, while Waldy shares memories of Louisville.
- Season 3, Episode 10
Waldy and Bendy explore the theme of mothers in art, discuss a significant auction, and include an interview with Andy Goldsworthy about land art.
- Season 3, Episode 9
In this episode, Waldy and Bendy explore Hieronymus Bosch's depictions of hell and debate art auction prices. The hosts also share personal journeys, with Bendor visiting ancient Rome and Waldy traveling to India.
- Season 3, Episode 8
Waldy and Bendy commemorate Sir Joshua Reynolds' anniversary. Joanna Wood discusses museum accessibility, and Waldy shares a dream about Istanbul.
- Season 3, Episode 7
Waldy and Bendy discuss the unconventional beginnings of artist El Greco and the work of Georgiana Houghton. The episode also features an interview with Shaun Greenhalgh, known as Britain's greatest forger.
- Season 3, Episode 6
In Season 3, Episode 6 of Waldy and Bendy's Adventures in Art, the hosts discuss the Valentine's Day kiss-off and conclude their search for the worst film about an artist with 'The Rebel' starring Tony Hancock.
- Season 3, Episode 5
Waldy and Bendy compare the films "Lust For Life" and "At Eternity's Gate," discuss Raphael cartoons, and a portrait of Andy Warhol in this episode of Waldy and Bendy's Adventures in Art.
- Season 3, Episode 4
In this episode, Waldy and Bendy review Albrecht Dürer and the film 'Pollock'. The hosts also visit an auction and introduce 'Sophie the art baby'.
- Season 3, Episode 3
Waldy and Bendy explore a new blue hue and the art in the Oval Office. They also discuss the film 'The Agony and the Ecstasy', starring Charlton Heston as Michelangelo and Rex Harrison as Julius II.
- Season 3, Episode 2
Waldy and Bendy delve into sculpture, featuring a conversation with Antony Gormley. They also critique a film about Frida Kahlo and choose a Fatimid ewer for their collection.