I just saw this on DVD for the first time since it's initial run on PBS a quarter century ago. Amazingly, it's as good as I remember it, mixing comedy, romance and drama with a marvelous cast and terrific dialogue. I'd say it's close to as good as "Flickers," a companion series also written by Roy Clarke-- the biggest advantage that series has are two full-throttle performances by Bob Hoskins and Frances de la Tour. "Pictures" doesn't go quite that broad.
If you see it, pay special attention to the score: not only is it one of the best evocations of the 20's sound around, but the composer created subtle variations on the basic music for the end titles of each of the seven episodes, each reflecting the story in some way. Listen for the snippet of "Hungarian" music at the end of Episode 5.
And watch for Anton Rodgers as the splendidly boiled ham, Godfrey Forbes Lawson.
Biggest drawback: Harry Towb as Ziggy Olman starts out funny but just starts to grate after a while. Not much of a drawback.
Lots of fun.
