Premiere. Kenneth Tynan talks to Laurence Olivier about Lilian Baylis and The Old Vic; plus, a film about David Hockney's sets for "The Rake's Progress", now on tour after its success at Glyndebourne.

The first of a regular series, taking a fortnightly look at the world of the visual arts, fashion, photography and design. This week's guest columnist is George Melly on how they sold the 70s; plus, a this week Arena features a unique event in the arts calendar: the opening of the Space Studios with 150 one-man shows in 20 days.

An interview with Howard Barker, author of 'Stripwell', and an extract from same; commentary by Kenneth Tynan; and an investigation of 'Birds of Paradise'.

Cartoonist Mel Caiman on the New Yorker magazine and its artists; Richard Hamilton at the Serpentine Gallery; and a new documentary exhibition from Jarrow.

Peter Hall talks about the history and new South Bank location of the National Theatre, where he is artistic director.

Observer critic William Feaver on Painting the End of the World; Bill Brandt's selection of landscape photography at the Victoria and Albert Museum; and the best of science fiction illustration.

Extract from a contemporary play, and Kenneth Tynan opines.

Shirley Conran is the guest columnist; fashion photographer Barry Lategan is filmed working; and Victorian painter Edward Burne-Jones' London exhibition.

Deborah Norton reviews British stage events; a play extract; and Kenneth Tynan opines about the theatre.

Guest columnist Terry Measham of the Tate Gallery on Landscape into Art, and a report on the work of contemporary British artists featuring the work of painter and poet Charles Tomlinson.

Mikhail Baryshnikov and Natalia Makarova rehearse for a BBC New Year Gala Performance; Kenneth Tynan draws a portrait of Albert Finney.

This month sees the end of European Architectural Heritage Year. A report by the SAVE Campaign comes out this week, which contains the alarming news that, in the first six months of this of all years, 182 buildings listed for their historical or aesthetic value were destroyed. Why does the 'spirit of our age' seem to be demolition? Film-maker Roger Graef and journalist Simon Jenkins explore our 'forgotten heritage,' and some of the ways in which it might be conserved and put to new use.