The Finer Things
-
Everything you could ever want to know about the uniforms of the British Army
From Cromwell's New Model Army to Waterloo to the King's Coronation, the outfits of our soldiers have always been as functional as they have been stylish.
By Country Life Published
-
Country Life's Little Green Book: The eco-friendly companies making the world a better place
Country Life's pick of the people, places and products, from garlic chutney to laundry capsules, that are making waves with their green credentials. Compiled by Madeleine Silver and Rosie Paterson.
By Madeleine Silver Published
-
Before the palazzo there was Petersfield: The Hampshire cottage where Peggy Guggenheim learned to love the art world
Humble Yew Tree Cottage stands in stark contrast to the excesses of this great art collector, but was a formative period in her life and is the subject of a new exhibition.
By Mary Miers Published
-
Dressing to impress: how to stand out at Royal Ascot, all while following the rules
Royal Ascot is one of the great occasions of the Season, and we have the definitive guide on how to dress the part.
By Hetty Lintell Published
-
Celebrating the act of looking and drawing from life: New English Art Club presents latest annual exhibition
Created to counteract the 'stuffiness' of the Royal Academy, the New English Art Club nurtured and encouraged some of Britain's best artists. The group's latest exhibition begins this week, with plenty of works for sale.
By James Fisher Published
-
The circus performer who literally gritted her teeth to earn success and fame — and inspired one of the great Impressionist paintings of the 1880s
When Miss La La hoisted herself to the top of the circus tent by a rope clenched in her jaws, she dazzled not only crowds across France and Britain, but also Edgar Degas. Carla Passino tells the story of the artiste — and the artist.
By Carla Passino Published
-
Perfect Father’s Day gifts for dads who deserve it
There are many ways to show your dad that you love and appreciate him. There's breakfast in bed, an offer to mow the lawn, a big hug and the offer of the last biscuit. Or you could just buy him something that he definitely doesn't need, but we're pretty sure he'll want.
By Amie-Elizabeth White Published
-
Wisteria hysteria: Nine beautiful objects that celebrate the most beautiful bloom of the season
Embrace the bountiful floral offerings this month with fashion and lifestyle accessories to match, says Hetty Lintell.
By Hetty Lintell Published
-
How a 20-year-old Leonora Carrington told off one of Surrealism's leading lights, and embarked on a career which has just seen her masterpiece go for $22 million
A densely-packed masterpiece by the brilliant Surrealist artist Leonora Carrington has just set a record at auction. We take a look at the life and emergence of the feisty young Lancastrian behind the $22 million sale of 'Les Distractions de Dagobert.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The Aston Martin Vantage review: A fusion of love, joy and metal
The 2024 Aston Martin Vantage is the two seater sports car of your dreams. Or it is, if you're Toby Keel.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The English climate destroyed almost all our medieval church paintings — but not these ones
Winged creatures, robed figures and celestial bodies are under threat in a rural church. Jo Caird speaks to the conservators working to save northern Europe’s most complete Romanesque wall paintings.
By Jo Calnan Published
-
Michael Prodger: How Britain’s landscapes have inspired painters across the centuries
Constable thought of his beloved Stour valley as his mistress, Samuel Palmer saw the Darent valley as a soft, pillowy realm where corn is always ripe. Michael Prodger reveals how Britain’s landscapes have inspired painters across the centuries.
By Michael Prodger Published
-
A century of Royal Photography is going on show at Buckingham Palace, from Cecil Beaton to Annie Leibovitz
The Royal Collection Trust's summer exhibition at Buckingham Palace brings together some of the most wonderful royal portraits ever taken. Jack Watkins takes a look.
By Jack Watkins Published
-
The chair of the National Gallery names his favourite from among the 2,300 masterpieces — and it will come as a bit of a shock
As the National Gallery turns 200, the chair of its board of trustees, John Booth, chooses his favourite painting.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Caravaggio: The brutal life and early death of the sinner who painted saints
Although named after an angel, Caravaggio needed no stronger reason to brawl than having his artichokes dressed with butter instead of olive oil. Maev Kennedy delves into his short and brutal life.
By Country Life Published
-
'A wonderful reminder of what the countryside could and should be': The 200-year-old watercolour of a world fast disappearing
Christopher Price of the Rare Breed Survival Trust on the bucolic beauty of The Magic Apple Tree by Samuel Palmer, which he nominates as his favourite painting.
By Charlotte Mullins Published
-
The British Museum is at a nadir in its fortunes — it's a brave person stepping up to take charge
Our cultural columnist Athena on the challenges — the many challenges — for Nicholas Cullinan, the new director of the British Museum.
By Toby Keel Published