Interestingly, these decades* were characterized by a uniquely successful blend of social innovation and cultural conservatism. Keynes himself exemplifies the point. A man of impeccable elitist tastes and upbringing - though unusually open to new artistic work - he nonetheless grasped the importance of bringing first-class art, performances and writing to the broadest possible audience if British society were to overcome its paralyzing divisions. It was Keynes whose initiatives led to the creation of the Royal Ballet, the Arts Council and much else besides. These were innovative public provisions of uncompromisingly ‘high’ art - much like Lord Reith’s BCC, with its self assigned obligation to raise popular standards rather than condescend to them…

This was ‘meritocracy’: the opening up of elite institutions to mass applicants at public expense - or at least underwritten by public assistance. It began the process of replacing selection by inheritance or wealth with upward mobility through education.