My Favourite Painting: Virginia Chadwyck-Healey
Stylist and writer Virginia Chadwyck-Healey chooses an image that she first came across during lockdown.
The Finer Things
When it comes to treating yourself to a new party dress or a pair of cufflinks, or if you want to buy a brilliant present for a loved one, look no further than our High Life section. From the most inspiring travel trips to the latest news in luxury watches, and beautiful jewellery, let Country Life guide you to the very best in beautiful things.
Plus, read articles from our brilliant Gentleman’s Life magazine, including the 39 steps to being a gentleman.
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The rare images of J.R.R. Tolkien which caused a sensation at auction
Pamela Chandler's portraits of the great J.R.R. Tolkien went under the hammer recently, almost doubling the estimate set by the auctioneers.
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My favourite painting: Nigel Prince
Nigel Prince, director of Artes Mundi, on a mesmerising image by Anwar Jalal Shemza.
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Best Barbour jackets: The finest waxed jackets from an iconic British company
Nothing feels quite so right for a walk in the British countryside as a Barbour jacket. Here's our pick of the best you can buy today.
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Best wellington boots: The finest wellies you can buy
There's nothing quite so vital to life in the countryside as a decent pair of wellies. Country Life's luxury editor Hetty Chidwick makes her pick of the best you can buy.
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My Favourite Painting: Laurence Cumming
Laurence Cumming chooses one of the few works attributed with certainty to Johannes Vermeer.
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Curious Questions: How are ice sculptures are made?
Medieval castles, thrones, dragons, curtains, serving dishes and cheeky luges can all be fashioned from ice, if you have the magic touch and can take the chill factor, discovers Jane Wheatley. Photographs by Richard Cannon.
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The £20 sketch bought at a yard sale that turned out to be an original Dürer, and worth over £10 million
First there was the chance purchase of the sketch. Then there was the equally fortunate decision to buy a frame, followed by a series of coincidences which led to the Holy Grail for art collectors: a £20 picture that's turned out to be an original Albrecht Dürer, worth millions.
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My favourite painting: Leonie Benesch
Actress Leonie Benesch, star of the new BBC adaption of Around the World in 80 Days, chooses a beautiful Art Deco image by Tamara de Lempicka.
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Curious Questions: Why do we send Christmas cards?
From the first Christmas card, born out of a lack of time, to today’s, adorned with crystals or wildflower seeds, the soft thud of festive post on the mat continues to spread good cheer, says Ben Lerwill.
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Best Christmas gifts for gadget lovers, from iPads and headphones to tablets and keyboards
We take a look at the gadgety gifts your loved ones will love, from Apple's lovely AirPods to the latest tablets.
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In Focus: How Fabergé created his delicate, technical, imaginative, whimsical and always recognisable eggs, only to die 'exhausted and broken'
Against a backdrop of war and revolution, the mesmerising work of an imperial goldsmith sparked an Anglo-Russian phenomenon. Mary Miers considers the international success of Fabergé, now being celebrated in an exhibition at the V&A Museum.
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Rolls-Royce Cullinan review: Part 'awesome beast', part luxury hotel suite, part cocktail bar — and still able to do 0-60 in 5 seconds
Rolls-Royce's Cullinan is divisive in its looks, its price and even — for some — in its very existence. Yet one thing is undeniable, says Toby Keel: it's a marvel of automotive engineering.
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Curious Questions: Why do we have Advent calendars?
This week's Country Life Christmas special is an annual treat, with our special Advent calendar cover. But how did the Advent calendar phenomenon start? Martin Fone investigates.
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My Favourite Painting: Luke Edward Hall
Designer and writer Luke Edward Hall chooses an image painted by a charismatic dandy known as ‘Bunty’.
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Christmas gift ideas for men
From fathers to brothers to lovers, we run through some smart ideas for Christmas presents for the men in your life.
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Christmas gift ideas for children
A collection of adorable gifts, perfect for that special toddler or precocious young person.
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When hunting for Christmas presents, make it a joyful experience with Cassandra Goad
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Aspinal of London's truly beautiful luxury gifts: sustainable, whimsical and exquisite
If you're looking for luxury gifts, Aspinal of London is the perfect place to start — and their new woodland-themed collection is a true delight.
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Christmas gift ideas for ladies
From mothers and sisters to wives and girlfriends, these 12 gifts are sure to bring a smile to the face of the special lady in your life.
