A few weeks ago, we asked four leading figures from the worlds of interior design and antiques to name the possessions from which they would never be parted as part of the Charles Stanley Wealth Managers event at Christie’s in London.
After a welcome from Paul Abberley, CEO of Charles Stanley Wealth Managers, Orlando Rock, chairman of Christie’s UK, Nina Campbell, antique dealer Will Fisher and Sarah Reynolds, Christie’s expert in British paintings, discussed possessions that were of huge value to them, but not necessarily to anyone else.
Heirlooms chosen included a portrait by Norman Parkinson, an inherited engagement ring, an early-19th-century bust of Greek philosopher Chrysippus and an 18th-century carving of a dead bird.
The result of these revelations was a lively discussion that demonstrated how objects can become imbued with meaning for a variety of different reasons.
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Music, dancing and jellied eels all round: The 'colourful world of plenty' in the iconic garden at the Festival of Britain75 years ago, the Festival of Britain turned austere, post-war London into a fairytale of lights, sounds, colour and celebration — and at the heart of it all were the pleasure gardens at Battersea. Kathryn Ferry looks back on those gardens — an outdoor space that may have been the last of its kind.
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'It's extremely reassuring for the ultra-wealthy': How Monaco's resurgence is fuelling a new property boomAmid the turmoil in today's the world, Monaco has remained quietly unchanged — and well-heeled families are heading back, creating a new surge of growth. Arabella Youens reports.
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Art underfoot: How Artorius Faber brought to life the stone floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower ShowGeorge Saumarez Smith’s design for the floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been brought to life by Artorius Faber.
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The best of British: How home-grown stone will be one of the stars on the Country Life stand at the Chelsea Flower ShowCountry Life's stand at RHS Chelsea will celebrate the beauty of Artorius Faber’s home-grown stone.
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The art of the hand: George Saumarez Smith's design for Country Life at ChelseaGeorge Saumarez Smith will demonstrate the power of pen and pencil when Country Life unveils his hand-drawn design for its stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
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Reader event report: An eye to the future at DaylesfordThe magnificent Heritage Barn at Daylesford in the Cotswolds was the setting for an event at which five specialists with a deep understanding of country properties shared their expertise.
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Reader Event: An eye to the future at Daylesford Heritage HouseWhat changes to a house do most to enhance its aesthetics, function, comfort, sustainability and longevity? On March 24, leading experts in architecture, interior design, craft and restoration will share the secrets to maximising possibilities and protecting value at Daylesford’s magnificent Heritage House in Gloucestershire.
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Reader Event: Super women at London Design WeekWhat can be learnt from the achievements of the world’s greatest female designers and antique dealers? Which has created the most valuable legacy? What are the secrets of their success? Come and find out at an inspiring event on the first day of London Design Week at 10.30am on Monday, March 9, at the London showroom of luxury lighting brand Hector Finch.
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Reimagining the past at VaughanIn September 2025, leading designers shared their views on creating interiors with the capacity to last forever.
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Tetrad: Over half a century of timeless good looksSince 1968, Tetrad has employed a combination of traditional skills and the finest materials to make upholstered furniture that is designed to offer years of comfort.
