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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Port Lympne Mansion Hotel, near Hythe, run by the Aspinall Foundation. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo -
Belgravia Classic Car Show. Credit: Erran Stewart Photography A classic car show in the very heart of central London, featuing a 1912 Rolls and Damien Hirst’s old Ferrari
The Belgravia Classic Car Show takes place this weekend, and is a real treat for the car lovers of London.
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My Wife, My Horse and Myself, 1928–35, by Sir Alfred Munnings (1878–1959), 40in by 50in, The Munnings Art Museum, Dedham, Essex Credit: The Munnings Art Museum, Dedham, Essex My Favourite Painting: Lord de Mauley
'It encapsulates the four most precious things to Munnings – and to me. If he were alive today, I would love to commission him to paint my wife on her horse.'
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'Landline Gray' by Sean Scully. Credit: Sean Scully / Courtesy of Dublin City Gallery In Focus: The Sean Scully masterpiece full of 'complex, layered bands that shift seamlessly in tone'
A son of Dublin and South London, Sean Scully's five-decade career has seen him become one of Britain’s most admired living artists. Lilias Wigan takes a look at one of his latest pieces.
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Credit: Leo Acker/Country Life Picture L The Utterly Inessential Ascot Shopping List: How to safely navigate one of British society's most draconian dress codes
We've rounded up all the utterly inessential products that you absolutely do not need (top hats for Ascot aside) to enjoy this summers season of festivals, shows and races. This week: Ascot.
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‘The Subway’, 1950, by George Tooker (1920-2011). 18.5in by 36.5in. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, purchased with funds from the Juliana Force Purchase Award 50.23. ©The Estate of George Tooker, Courtesy DC Moore Gallery, NY My Favourite Painting: Mike Leigh
The film director and writer chooses 'The Subway' by George Tooker, an artist who John McEwen describes as 'one of the most original and mysterious American painters of the 20th century'.
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Credit: Paxton & Whitfield The Utterly Inessential Father's Day Shopping List: Swim shorts made from plastic fished out of the ocean, old fashioned tumblers and the monogrammed socks you never knew he needed
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. On the other hand, there's a bunch of things that he probably doesn't want, definitely doesn't need, but we're sure he'll appreciate nonetheless. Happy Father's Day.
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Lexus UX 250h. Credit: lexus Lexus UX 250h review: The car of the future turns out to be a rather good option for right now
Japanese luxury car maker Lexus have made their first small SUV, and it's the sort of car that we'll all be driving before too long: a petrol-electric hybrid that offers smooth power and great economy.
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Ladies Night by Beryl Cook (1926–2008), Private Collection. Credit: Private collection. My Favourite Painting: Barry Cryer
'Like all her work, it displays a ripe sense of humour, which is what attracted me to it. No pretension, just joyful observation.’
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Gateway to Lanhydrock house, Cornwall, England, UK Credit: Alamy In Focus: The Mansions of Cornwall, as they existed in 1846
A rare survey of over 80 Cornish country houses has been found and reprinted – Adrian Tinniswood takes a look.
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The Ford Mustang V8 5.0. Credit: Emily Anderson / Country Life Ford Mustang V8 review: When America's favourite muscle car met the quaint villages of the Peak District
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Untitled (Fragment 5), screen print on plexiglass, 1965, by Bridget Riley (b.1931), 24in by 31 1⁄3in, private collection. Credit: Bridget Riley / Tate / Tate Images / Matt Austin My Favourite Painting: Mark Hix
Chef and cookery writer Marx Hix chooses a modern work by Bridget Riley, which he has owned for two decades.
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Panorama of British forces advancing on Bareilly, in pen and ink, by Lt-Gen Henry Crealock. This picture sold at Olympia Auctions for £11,700. Credit: Olympia Auctions In Focus: Henry and John Crealock, the Victorian military brothers who turned their hands to art
Huon Mallalieu considers the careers of Henry Hope Crealock and John North Crealock, the Victorian army officers and sometime-artists whose careers saw them come into contact with one of Britain's most famous military figures of the 19th century: Field Marshal Wolseley.
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British author and illustrator Judith Kerr OBE, photographed at her home in London. Credit: Clara Molden/Country Life Picture Library Judith Kerr: 'I walk about and look at people, out with their children, and I think do they realise how fragile it all is?'
Children's author Judith Kerr, who passed away this week at the age of 95, spoke to Country Life about her life and career.
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Credit: Leo Acker/Country Life The Utterly Inessential Hay Shopping List: All you'll need to thoroughly enjoy 'the Woodstock of the mind'
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Two Clippers –Nocturne by Montague Dawson (1890–1973), late 1950s, 39in by 49in, private collection. Credit: Courtesy of Doyle’s Auctioneers & Appraisers My Favourite Painting: Robin Knox-Johnston
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Credit: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars The newest addition to the Rolls-Royce fleet? Not a car, but a rather incredible Champagne chest
For the places that their famous cars cannot go, Rolls Royce have created the perfect dining companion, perfectly paired with the offerings of Jay-Z's own Champagne house.
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Credit: Pete Huggins Henry Moore at Houghton Hall: Where ancient architecture meets modern art
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Credit: Leo Acker/Country Life Picture Library The Utterly Inessential Chelsea Shopping List: What you'll need for the famed Flower Show, from chic sunglasses to an obligatory brolly
We've rounded up all the utterly inessential products that you absolutely do not need (top hats for Ascot aside) to enjoy this summers season of festivals, shows and races. This week: Chelsea Flower Show.
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The Toyota Hilux Invincible. Credit: www.sebastienmauroy.com Toyota Hilux review: Forget three men in a boat — three men in a double-cab 4x4 pick-up truck is the true test
Our correspondent and two fishing friends find the refreshed Toyota Hi-Lux is more than a match for New Zealand’s rocky terrain and a mountain of gear.
