The year is 1660. Charles II has returned to the English throne, after 9 years in exile.

With the return of King Charles II, women were given space to pursue careers like never before. Tracking the story of Mary Beale, we’ll enter Restoration London to explore the world of female artists, actresses and playwrights.

At the centre of it all lies the talented Mary Beale. A 17th century powerhouse artist, mother, and businesswoman and breadwinner for her husband and children. With an utterly devoted and supportive husband, Beale set about documenting the great and the good of the Restoration world as well as growing a studio of assistants (many women), to totally change the shape of the story of British female artists.