The Finer Things
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The McLaren Artura Spider: A hybrid triumph that carries on a rich British tradition
McLaren's hybrid supercar has been re-engineered to perfection. The result is an eye-wateringly quick spaceship that is endlessly entertaining and easy to drive.
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The great electric car conundrum: In 35 years, driving a petrol car will be like driving a steam engine. But is now the time to make the switch to an EV?
To EV or not to EV? That is the question for car buyers today, whether they're looking for a new car or going second hand. So is now the time to take the plunge? Toby Keel takes a look.
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The story of how 007 creator Ian Fleming came to write Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang
Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, our fine four-fendered friend, turns 60 on October 22nd. Mary Miers relives the adventures of the magical flying car and reveals the little-known story of its creation by Ian Fleming, as the writer turned his attention from the world of 007 to a children's tale.
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Opinion: A vanishingly rare thing has happened — we have a minister for culture who actually sounds like he's visited some of the places he has responsibility for
Our culture columnist Athena is cautiously optimistic about the future of arts, culture and architecture — even if the same old problems remain.
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Curious Questions: We used to fly cars across the English Channel in 20 minutes — why did we stop?
It seems hard to believe, but taking your car across the English Channel to France by air actually pre-dates the cross-channel car ferry. So how did it fall out of use almost 50 years ago? Martin Fone investigates.
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The genius inventors who created the world's most important clocks
Early clocks had variable hours, but even in the golden age of British horology, when Thomas Tompion made his masterpieces, a man relying on public timepieces could end his walk earlier than he had started. Huon Mallalieu traces the evolution of British clock-making.
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'Where new money transforms into old, via a century’s worth of luxury automobiles': A report from Monterey Car Week
Vintage Mercedes, classic Porsches, and a best-in-show Bugatti, combined with cravats and Stetsons. The only thing more interesting than the cars is the people, writes Adam Hay Nicholls.
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'As a child I wanted to snuggle up with the dogs and be part of it': Alexia Robinson chooses her favourite painting
Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food, chooses an Edwin Landseer classic.
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My Favourite Painting: Geraldine Collinge
Geraldine Collinge, the director of Compton Verney art gallery in Warwickshire, selects Pierre-Jacques Volaire's An Eruption of Vesuvius by Moonlight.
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My Favourite Painting: Rachel Podger
Rachel Podger, one of the world's leading violinists who specialises in Baroque music, chooses one of Vincent van Gogh's 'Sunflowers'.
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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.
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What's for sale on 'the most mouth-watering shopping list in Britain'?
A browse through the summary of works of art and objects of cultural importance with a deferred export license reveals plenty of treasures. What should we keep?
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Goodwood Revival 2024: What you missed at the world's most elegant motor race weekend
The Goodwood Revival is one of the highlights of the summer — even when the weather does its best to put a damper on things.
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Rebirth of an icon: How Lotus is picking up the EV baton and running with it
After years of financial turmoil, Lotus is going all in on electric cars. We tested the new Eletre to find out whether the actions match the words.
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The Aston Martin DBX707: A Bond car for all seasons, five days and Three Peaks
Scaling the Three Peaks of Britain is not for the faint of heart and neither is driving the powerful Aston Martin DBX707. Adam Hay-Nicholls tried his hand at both.
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The Pre-Raphaelite painter who swapped 'willowy, nubile women' for stained glass — and created some of the best examples in Britain
The painter Edward Burne-Jones turned from paint to glass for much of his career. James Hughes, director of the Victorian Society, chooses a glass masterpiece by Burne-Jones as his favourite 'painting'.
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Curious Question: Did the limerick originate in Limerick?
Before workers wasted time scrolling Twitter or Instagram, they wasted their time writing limericks.
