Art and Antiques

My favourite painting: Rose Balston

Art historian Rose Balston chooses a Gentileschi classic.

My favourite painting: MOK O’Keeffe

The historian MOK O’Keeffe chooses a portrait which hangs in one of London's great houses.

Sir Joshua Reynolds: Why 'the greatest portrait artist England has ever seen' is the true heir to the Old Masters

It wasn’t merely brilliant brushwork or sparkling colour that made Sir Joshua Reynolds one of England’s greatest portraitists. His talent for friendship nurtured his extraordinary career, says Susan Jenkins.

My Favourite Painting: Graham Lloyd-Brunt

The designer Graham Lloyd-Brunt picks a calming and peaceful image.

My Favourite Painting: Freya Simms

Freya Simms of LAPADA chooses an exotic 17th century image.

The art of the seaside

Open skies, shifting clouds and the golden expanse of the beach have inspired artists from John Constable to Antony Gormley, but the sun-bathing throngs have proved a rather less popular subject, as Michael Prodger discovers.

My favourite painting: Oliver Spencer

Oliver Spencer of Favourbrook picks a painting of cricket with colours 'to sear into your eyes, burn into the retinas.'

My favourite painting: Matthew Williamson

Designer Matthew Williamson chooses an abstract modern piece that contrasts with his professional style.

My favourite painting: Will Fisher

Will Fisher of Jamb chooses a huge and dramatic Rubens.

Life, the universe, cave art... and no longer believing in Heaven, by Robin Hanbury-Tenison

Does the meaning of life hide in our mystical relationship with our world, as captured by the cave art of prehistoric men, asks Robin Hanbury-Tenison.

My favourite painting: Skye Gyngell

The chef and restauranteur Skye Gyngell chooses an uplifting modern piece.

Jonathan Self: My 146-year-old timepiece is the antithesis of the smartwatches — and it's all the better for it

How lovely to have a beautiful watch to order your life, says Jonathan Self; but how much better to have no need of one at all.

My favourite painting: Joanne Ooi

EA Festival founder Joanne Ooi picks a bold image that's a mix of acrylic, ink and oil paint on canvas.

My favourite painting: Beatrice Grant

The Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Worcestershire chooses a Piero della Francesca masterpiece.

The best regional art galleries in Britain, from Cornwall to Orkney

Wherever you are in Britain, you’re never far from an interesting gallery. Here we present an eclectic round-up of 45 places to see art outside the big cities.

My Favourite Painting: Christopher Jackson

The poet and artist Christopher Jackson chooses 'a macabre picture, with marvellous details': Chatterton by Henry Wallis.

My favourite painting: Lady Caroline Percy

The designer and art consultant Lady Caroline Percy chooses a vision of Ancient Rome by Turner.

My favourite painting: Susannah Constantine

Susannah Constantine chooses a painting by her own father, Joseph Constantine.

My favourite painting: John Chatfeild-Roberts

John Chatfeild-Roberts of the British Sporting Art Trust chooses a classic Munnings image.

My Favourite Painting: Henry Dallal

The photographer Henry Dallal, a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, chooses a modern take on an ancient Persian image.