S16·E28 Episode 28: Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: A Culture Show Special

Alastair Sooke goes behind-the-scenes of the Royal Academy's 244th Summer Exhibition, the biggest open-submission contemporary art show in the world. He selects artists he hopes will make it through the tough judging process and hears about the challenges facing the curators in hanging thousands of works by amateur and leading contemporary artists. New RA member Michael Landy delves into the archives to satisfy his curiosity about the weird and wonderful rituals that surround the show. Psychotherapist Philippa Perry - wife of Grayson Perry - gives a psychological portrait of artists, past and present, who have attempted to get their works accepted. Plus actress Emilia Fox joins Alastair on a whirlwind tour of the finished show at the glitzy preview party.