
Athena
Athena is Country Life's Cultural Crusader. She writes a column in the magazine every week
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The British Museum's successful attempt to save a Tudor-era pendant with links to Henry VIII is proof that the institution is on the up
After years of neglect and controversy, Britain's premier cultural institution seems to be finding its feet again.
By Athena Last updated
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£1.5 billion might be spent on Arts buildings, but who will be left to run them?
Spending money on bricks and mortar is one thing, but we must also reward the staff and experts that keep our culture alive.
By Athena Published
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Is £1.5 billion enough to save our culture?
An announcement of capital spending to 'restore national pride' is welcome, but requires further scrutiny.
By Athena Published
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Don’t old towns need saving?
Out with the old and in with the new isn't always a good thing, this week's Athena argues.
By Athena Published
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What a report on the spending of female billionaires tells us about the future of museum collections
Between 2015 and 2024, the number of female billionaires grew from 190 to 344. Could this be good news for the art world?
By Athena Published
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Athena: This Government must open its eyes to the contribution that heritage and culture can make to our economy
Heritage is a forgotten driver of growth laments our cultural crusader.
By Athena Published
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Nôtre-Dame: An over-crowded Parisian triumph
Athena visits the re-built French wonder, and is more than impressed by the restoration work that has been completed so far.
By Athena Published
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Wedgwood's craftspeople produce objects that dignify our lives daily in countless ways — here's hoping that better times lie ahead
Country Life's cultural commentator Athena analyses the concerning developments at Wedgwood.
By Athena Published
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The proposed National Gallery extension is a ray of light in a stormy sector
The announcement of a new wing for one of the nation's top art galleries 'is a transformative initiative undertaken through private philanthropy to clear and universal benefit. What is there not to celebrate?'
By Athena Published
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Athena: In the eyes of Government, will the Arts always be last?
After a year of Labour rule, life doesn't seem to be getting any better for Britain's cultural institutions.
By Athena Published
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In our built heritage, is the truth stranger than fiction?
Athena considers how our historic buildings are presented in an age of film and television.
By Athena Published
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Art saved for the nation? Not enough, it would seem
The recent publication of a report on export control of art from the UK makes depressing reading.
By Athena Published
