Hidden Henry - Henry the Image-maker

Five academics present portraits of unknown, intimate and surprising aspects of Henry VIII's character. Dr Kent Rawlinson, the curator of buildings at Hampton Court, explores the way the buildings, grounds and artefacts express the king's concern with his image. For instance, the second most valuable objects now owned by the British Crown are the sumptuous wall hangings he designed himself, to be used when foreign dignitaries arrived. Each displays an aspect of his kingly prowess which he wished to demonstrate. Henry's corporate image was very carefully thought through - the buildings themselves, his art collection, which was greater than Charles II's, right down to his clothes. They all contributed to the image that the young king projected.