Bauhaus 100: A BBC Arts Documentary

Originally aired by the BBC in 2019 and narrated by Mat Whitecross, this documentary commemorates the centenary of the Bauhaus, an art school founded in 1919 in Weimar, Germany, by the visionary architect Walter Gropius. The Bauhaus wasn’t just an art school—it was a revolutionary experiment that changed how we perceive design and creativity. Its radical ideas about integrating art, technology, and everyday life have left an indelible mark on the modern world. What to Expect in This Documentary Bauhaus 100 traces the origins, philosophies, and lasting legacy of the Bauhaus movement. Born out of the ruins of the Great War, Walter Gropius sought to redefine art and design education. Traumatised by the horrors of war, he envisioned a future where creativity and technology were forces for progress and unity, not destruction. The documentary offers an in-depth exploration of: Walter Gropius’s Vision: How his experiences during the war inspired the founding of the Bauhaus and his belief in a utopian future shaped by collaboration between artists and architects. Interdisciplinary Innovation: How the Bauhaus brought together disciplines like painting, sculpture, graphic design, architecture, and even performance art to create a holistic approach to design. Revolutionary Ideas: The introduction of functionality and simplicity as central tenets of modern design, alongside a rejection of unnecessary ornamentation. Influential Figures: Stories of the influential teachers and students, including Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, Josef Albers, and others, who helped shape this iconic institution. Global Legacy: How the Bauhaus philosophy spread worldwide, influencing fields like architecture, industrial design, and even urban planning, and how its ethos still resonates a century later. Why Watch This Documentary? Whether you're a design enthusiast, an architect, an artist, or someone curious about the origins of modern aesthetics, Bauhaus 100 offers a compelling narrative of how one small school redefined creativity for generations to come. From iconic furniture designs to architectural masterpieces, the Bauhaus remains a cornerstone of modern art and design. This documentary not only tells the story of a school but also explores its influence on our everyday lives—from the buildings we live in to the objects we use. It’s a powerful reminder of how art and design can shape society.