91Èȱ¬

91Èȱ¬ Two Daytime is to celebrate the history of architecture and engineering in Britain with an innovative new series, Scaling Britain, it is announced today, Wednesday 5 May.

In each episode, presenter Dr Jonathan Foyle – an expert and broadcaster in architectural history – will climb the exterior of an iconic structure as he reveals its design, construction and role in the history of British architecture and engineering.

Liam Keelan, 91Èȱ¬ Daytime Controller, who commissioned the series, said: "Scaling Britain is an example of the inspiring and intelligent programmes we are increasingly making for our daytime viewers, such as Michael Portillo's recent series Great British Railway Journeys.

"We're delighted to have Dr Jonathan Foyle – a respected expert and broadcaster – at the helm to help bring the wonder of architecture to a wider audience."

Emma Read, executive producer and Creative Director of Factual, Features & Factual Entertainment, ITN Productions, said:

"The series offers a real adventurous and surprising approach to the architecture, engineering and history of our iconic buildings.

"We're really excited to be working with the 91Èȱ¬ and offering a fresh approach to a series which builds on our reputation as a producer of quality factual programming."

Combining engineering, architecture and history, Scaling Britain uses urban climbing techniques to reveal the history of architecture and engineering in Britain – both inside and out of the building.

The series will take viewers on a historical journey from early examples of architecture through to cutting-edge contemporary illustrations.

Each day, the programme looks at a different iconic building from St Paul's Cathedral to the brand-new Imperial War Museum North in Manchester.

Each structure – bridge, church, palace or castle – will illustrate different breakthrough moments, challenges and firsts in British engineering and architecture.

Scaling Britain will provide an exploration and celebration of why Britain looks the way it does today.

Gerard Melling is the executive producer for 91Èȱ¬ Daytime. Scaling Britain (15x30) is produced for the 91Èȱ¬ by ITN Productions and Philip Armstrong Dampier and Emma Read are the executive producers. It will transmit in Autumn 2010 on 91Èȱ¬ Two at 6.30pm.

Notes to Editors

Dr Jonathan Foyle BA (Hons) MA Dipl Arch (RIBA Pt I & II) PhD

Dr Jonathan Foyle has a full architectural training and a holds a doctorate in buildings archaeology with two research awards.

He has developed his practical knowledge of major and minor historical monuments over more than a decade, including as a surveyor of Canterbury Cathedral, and as Buildings Curator at Hampton Court Palace and Kew Palace for almost eight years.

His precise and evocative architectural illustrations and reconstructions have been widely featured in broadcasts, exhibitions and publications.

He teaches architectural history for Cambridge University's International Division and has written widely, including for The Sunday Times, Architects' Journal, Current Archaeology and Building Design.

His presenting credits include Hidden House History (History Channel, 2006), History Mysteries (91Èȱ¬ Two, 2006), and Restoration Secrets (91Èȱ¬ Four, 2003) and he is a regular specialist contributor to Time Team (Channel 4, 2003-6).

LG