Athena: Sacrificing the Arts for 'self-imposed' fiscal rules?
Cuts to our cultural institutions will only save a minimal amount of money, but could do a significant amount of harm.
-
-
'Without fever there is no creation': the tumultuous talent of Giacomo Puccini
Three of the top 10 operas performed worldwide are by the emotionally volatile Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, who died a century ago. Henrietta Bredin explains how his colourful life influenced his melodramatic plot lines.
-
'Rural England need not be retirement England': How hybrid working can save the countryside
Forcing people back to the office reeks of management insecurity, and tracking them on their computers is Orwellian. What hybrid working can do is make people happy and bring life back to rural communities.
-
Beware experience, lest we forget what actually makes these places important in the first place
Jousting in castles? Falconry demonstrations? That's all fine, says Athena, as long as people don't forget about the real purposes of our visitor attractions and cultural institutions.
-
Country Life 18 September 2024
Country Life 18 September 2024 looks at the best-kept secrets in the Cotswolds, the exotic animals who've made Britain their home and the man who made steel stainless.
-
Anya Hindmarch: 'Luxury can become achingly boring and a bit worthy. I like things that make you smile’
The thrill of a new pencil case doesn’t fade with age, finds Jo Rodgers, on a visit to Anya Hindmarch’s new stationery pop-up shop.
-
'Every month since June 2023 has now ranked as the planet’s hottest... we are challenging everything on which we rely — our weather, our health, our water and our food security'
The effects of climate change 'reach right down into every aspect of the planet’s life, from the spread of disease to the profound changes wrought by rising sea levels and intensive storms,' writes our columnist Agromenes.
-
Get two free tickets for the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show takes place at ExCeL in London from 27-29 September, and Country Life readers can attend for free.
-
Country Life 11 September 2024
Country Life 11 September 2024 visits George Harrison's garden, picks the perfect pelargonium and enjoys the songs of the thrush.
-
Country Life 4 September 2024
Country Life 4 September 2024 looks at the lore of otters, takes a slippery slope in St Moritz, celebrates Burghley's founder and marvels at the miracle of moss.
-
No calls after lunch? The Probate Office is in disarray and the new Chancellor needs to sort it out, and fast
Delays in receiving inheritance are making inheritance tax almost impossible to pay, leaving grieving families in limbo, says Agromenes.
-
The small suburban garden: 'It’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you do with it'
If you know where to look, a tiny suburban garden can yield as much pleasure as views across open countryside, believes Jonathan Notley.
-
You rang, your majesty? What it was like to be a servant in the Royal Household
Tending the royal bottom might be considered one of the worst jobs in history, but a life in elite domestic service offered many opportunities for self-advancement, finds Susan Jenkins.
-
Tiny sanctuaries: The best huts in Britain
A shed is merely somewhere to keep tools. A hut, on the other hand, is a doorway to sporting adventure. Robin Ashcroft selects five of his favourites in the UK.
-
Country Life 21 August 2024
Country Life 21 August takes us north of the border, to 'Sensational Scotland'. We look at some of the best property to buy, the legend of the Stone of Scone, and the forests of the future.
-
'Although exams are important, they are a limited measure of talent and no guarantee of future success': Or, why you shouldn't take your A-Level results too seriously
Throughout history, the character, drive and tenacity of such prodigiously talented 18 year olds as Nelson, Elizabeth I and Brunel have come to define success, rather than exam results alone, contends Alice Loxton.
-
Country Life 14 August 2024
Country Life 14 August looks at the importance of our rare native breeds, why your A-Levels don't matter too much, how to bring the country house into the 21st (and maybe 22nd) century and Country Life's tech commandments.
-
Country Life 7 August 2024
Country Life 7 August 2024 looks at wilderness huts, the architecture of Prince Albert, and the reality of life in the Royal Household.
-
'We are in the midst of a sewage scandal and the natural world is paying the cost'
Country Life's leader article takes aim at the mess in the water industry.
-
Country Life 31 July 2024
Country Life 31 July 2024 looks at fountains and chalkstreams, violins and pirates, and visits the Duke of Beautfort's garden.
