The Love School is a BBC television drama miniseries originally broadcast from 22 January to 26 February 1975 about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The series was written by John Hale, Ray Lawler, Robin Chapman, and John Prebble, and directed by Piers Haggard, John Glenister and Robert Knights. The drama was a significant influence on the subsequent 2009 series Desperate Romantics. It was also the basis of the historical novel of the same name by Hale.
The Love School (Season 1)
The Brotherhood (Episode 1)
Writer: John Hale
Air date: 1975-01-22
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: In 1848, social unrest abounds. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a secret group of young artists, forms in order to take on the sclerotic Royal Academy. The original three members add four friends to their ranks.
An Impeccable Elopement (Episode 2)
Writer: John Hale
Air date: 1975-01-29
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Art critic John Ruskin and his wife Effie travel to Scotland with John Everett Millais, a PRB leader. Millais falls in love with Effie and discovers that the Ruskins' marriage is in fact a sham.
Seeking the Bubbles (Episode 3)
Writer: Ray Lawler
Air date: 1975-02-05
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Millais has married Effie after the annulment of her first marriage. William Holman Hunt and Millais both become successful artists.
Remember Me (Episode 4)
Writer: Robin Chapman
Air date: 1975-02-12
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Dante Gabriel Rossetti's life and relationships become complicated, especially after the tragic death of his wife Lizzie.
Beata Beatrix (Episode 5)
Writer: Robin Chapman
Air date: 1975-02-19
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Rossetti acquires a follower in William Morris but his life is troubled by drug addiction, and he becomes increasingly isolated.
The Artisan (Episode 6)
Writer: John Prebble
Air date: 1975-02-26
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Pre-Raphaelitism begins to disintegrate when Morris adopts a new ideal in socialism.
Seasons
Episodes 6