Private Passions

As part of Radio 3's Britten Centenary weekend, Michael Berkeley travels to Aldeburgh beach to meet the artist Maggi Hambling at her controversial memorial to Britten in the form of two giant interlocking scallop shells. Michael also visits her nearby studio to see her paintings inspired by the Suffolk sea and to talk about the effect of Britten's music on her painting and sculpture. She tells Michael about her fascination with drawing and painting people she's loved after they've died; the importance of drawing; and her love of feeling rooted in Suffolk. Maggi's music choices include music from Peter Grimes and the War Requiem, as well as Schubert, a song by her friend George Melly and some surprising music which sums up how she relaxes in the rare moments when she's not working.