My favourite painting: Julia Carrick
ISO Luxury founder Julia Carrick chooses a calming van Gogh painting that symbolises hope.
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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In Focus: Lucian Freud's mesmerising depictions of his nearest and dearest
For seven decades, Lucian Freud put great energy into his work, particularly the portraits of family and friends now the subject of an exhibition called 'Lucian Freud: Real Lives’ at Tate Liverpool. Martin Gayford takes a look.
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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: Henry Porter
Author and journalist Henry Porter chooses one of Breugel's classic seasonal images.
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: Supercharged home Wi-Fi, smart headphones and a mobile phone literally anyone can use
Our Utterly Inessential Shopping List returns with some technology that is far cleverer than we are.
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In Focus: William Lee-Hankey, the British painter who became famous painting French rural life
Best known for his romantic evocations of French pastoral life, the British painter William Lee Hankey’s skilfully executed work is imbued with rich colour and emotion, reveals Anthony J. Lester.
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My favourite painting: Turtle Bunbury
Turtle Bunbury, historian and television presenter, chooses one of the planet's most ancient artworks.
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In Focus: The life and times of Mouse Macpherson, a truly extraordinary wildlife artist
Mouse Macpherson kept an eclectic menagerie of pets and wild animals and signed everything, from paintings to cheques, with a tiny mouse. Claire Jackson revisits the all-too-short life of a unique wildlife artist.
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Ted Dexter: The Italian-born icon who brought dash and glamour to English cricket
Ted Dexter, the former England cricket captain and chairman of selectors, is still bursting with wit, wisdom and insight about the game he loves. He spoke to Jack Watkins.
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Best poolside accessories, from loungers to shades
Practical needn't mean sacrificing style, says Hetty Lintell.
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My Favourite Painting: Kiki McDonough
Designer Kiki McDonough chooses a classic London image by Claude Monet that was inspired during the French painter's family trip to England.
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The uncomfortable problem of how to find the perfect bed
There’s an art to striking a balance between the most comfortable bed you can afford and the creature comforts necessary for a good night’s sleep, says Giles Kime.
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In Focus: The art that has broken out of London's galleries and made it onto the street
Art is breaking free from the traditional gallery and its emergence on our streets and in our parks is changing the way we live, says Clive Aslet.
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My favourite painting: Andrew Love
Andrew Love, adviser to The Ritz, chooses a picture he bought from an artist who used to exhibit on the railings at Green Park, right next to the famous hotel.
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In Focus: Bernardo Bellotto, the Canaletto of the North
Being the nephew of Antonio Canaletto was both a blessing and a curse for Bernardo Bellotto, whose brooding landscapes eventually emerged from his uncle’s formidable shadow, as Michael Prodger observes.
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My favourite painting: Sally Clarke
Restauranteur and writer Sally Clarke chooses The Great Piece of Turf by Albrecht Dürer, which depicts a jungle in miniature.
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Best summer hats for the season, from Panamas to Ascot hats
Hetty Lintell makes her pick of the best summer hats for the summer season.
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In Focus: John Hassall's iconic travel posters
The works of British poster king John Hassall remain a breath of fresh seaside air, says Lucinda Gosling.
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How Japanese design influenced the world
With the Olympic Games having lit up the summer, Lucien de Guise considers the influence of Japanese design over the centuries — despite the nation’s self-imposed isolation that closed its borders for over two hundred years.
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My Favourite Painting: Edie Campbell
Model Edie Campbell chooses a 'visceral painting, full of feeling', which recalls one of the darkest moments in recent US history.
