Page 49 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

GREA T BRIT AIN  47

The Eden Project, an entertaining educational center devoted to mankind’s relationship with plants, Cornwall

which were former colonies are now Culture and the Arts
members of the Commonwealth. Nearly Britain has a famous theatrical tradition
five percent of Britain’s 62 million inhabi­ stretching back to the 16th century and
tants are from non­white ethnic groups – William Shakespeare. His plays have been
and about half of these were born in performed on stage almost continuously
Britain. The result is a multicultural society since they were written, and the works of
that boasts a wide range of music, art, 17th­ and 18th­century writers are also
food, and religions. frequently revived. Modern British
Britain’s class structure is based on a playwrights, such as Tom Stoppard,
subtle mixture of heredity and wealth. draw on this long tradition with their
Even though many of the great inherited vivid language and use of comedy
fortunes no longer exist, some old landed to illustrate serious themes.
families still live on their estates, and many In the visual arts, Britain has a strong
now open them to the public. The mon­ tradition in portraiture, landscape, and
archy’s position highlights the dilemma watercolor. In modern times, artists David
of a people seeking to preserve its most Hockney and Francis Bacon and sculptors
potent symbol of national Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth have
unity in an age when enjoyed worldwide recognition.
people are sus picious Britain has also become
of inherited privilege. famous for its innovative
Without real political fashion designers, such as
power, although still head Vivienne Westwood and the
of the Church of England, late Alexander McQueen.
the Queen and her family The national film industry
are subject to increasing regularly produces
public scrutiny. international hits, such as
Democracy has deep the Harry Potter saga and
foundations in Britain. With The King’s Speech. British
the exception of the 17th­ A cricketing pub sign showing the television is renowned for
century Civil War, power 18th-century version of the game the high quality of its news,
has passed gradually from current affairs, and nature
the Crown to the people’s elected repre­ programs, as well as for its drama.
sent atives. During the 20th and 21st The British are great sports fans. Soccer,
centuries, the Labour (left wing) and rugby, cricket, and lawn tennis are popular.
Conservative (right wing) parties have An instantly recognizable English image is
favored a mix of public and private owner­ that of the cricket match on a village green.
ship for industry and ample funding for the The British also make use of their national
state health and welfare systems. parks as enthusiastic walkers and hikers.

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