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'People often expect a perfect repair, but we are not about that': The experts taking care of leatherWhether it’s a football used in the First World War or the seats of an early electric taxi, the Leather Conservation Centre in Leicester helps conserve historic objects, as Corinne Julius reveals
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Where vanity meets art: Before the selfie, there was the mirrorAn indicator of wealth, a tool of either flirtation or restraint and ‘one of the most powerful ways to shape a space’, a grand mirror reflects far more than a pretty face.
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The 300-year-old bookcases in a Devon castle that's been in the same family for 600 yearsJohn Goodall talks to the 19th Earl of Devon, Charlie Courtenay, about one of the greatest treasures at Powderham Castle.
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Antiquarian fish prints might be the little luxury you didn’t know you neededCollector Paul Martin advises on some of the very best.
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'A turning point in the history of country houses': Bowood's trailblazing days as a safe refuge for wounded soldiersJohn Goodall visits Bowood to discover more about the wartime role played by this Wiltshire home — and the example it set that was then followed across Britain.
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The pulpit of the man who brought the Bible to the people — only to be strangled and burnt for his effortsWilliam Tyndale was a titanic figure in the Reformation in England. The pulpit he once preached from survives to this day at Bucklebury House in Berkshire; John Goodall takes a look.
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The best art dealers to help you furnish your home, as chosen by Britain's leading designers, architects and creative mindsArabella Youens asks distinguished members of Country Life's Top 100 for their recommendations on the best art dealers in Britain.
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The best furniture makers in Britain, as chosen by the nation's top designers and architectsMembers of Country Life's Top 100 for their recommendations when it comes to choosing a furniture maker.
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Like moths to flames, young American collectors cannot help but gravitate towards antique English furnitureExquisite craftsmanship, sustainability and the human stories behind each piece are drawing a new generation of American collectors to antique English furniture.
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The hand-written bibles handed down through centuries, in pride of place in a Welsh country house libraryAt Treberfydd House in Brecon, a magnificent hand-written bible has been handed down through the generations. John Goodall tells its story.
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The most artfully designed dog kennels — from spaceships to antiques that belonged to French royaltyFrom an antique dog bed that could've been Marie Antoinette's, to the very best in 'Barkitecture'.
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Inspired by a Renaissance masterpiece, created by one of the world's great architects, this bed has done a century's service for a country house's owners — and their very lucky petsJohn Goodall talks to Sebastian Fenwick about his extraordinary bed, designed by the great Edwin Lutyens.
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The Duke of Wellington's hearing aid, at the cutting edge of technology 200 years agoJohn Goodall meets the 9th Duke of Wellington to hear the tale of his famous forbear's hearing problems.
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The sound of centuries: Britain's last bellfoundersBehind the deep chime of York’s Great Peter or the heft of London’s Great Paul is John Taylor’s bellfoundry. With pieces from its associated museum going under the hammer, collectors have a chance to bring home a peal of their own, as Ben Lerwill discovers.
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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 upAfter years of neglect and controversy, Britain's premier cultural institution seems to be finding its feet again.
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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.
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A study in sculpture: 10 of the finest pieces from the Royal CollectionA new catalogue in four volumes explores the extraordinary riches of the sculpture in the Royal Collection. Its author, Sir Jonathan Marsden, selects 10 of his favourite works that reflect the diversity of this astonishing collection.
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A mesmerising portrait in the eerie country house that inspired Charlotte Brontë to write 'Jane Eyre'A dark episode in the family history of Norton Conyers inspired a young Charlotte Brontë to write Jane Eyre — but the hidden attic is just one of many treasures in this grand Yorkshire house.
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Wealthy Boomers collected blue-chip paintings. Gen Z is opting for collectibles. Who will come up trumps?Handbags, jewellery and luxury vehicles are the aesthetic investments of choice for today’s high-net-worth youth, says a report by Art Basel.
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Sin, deceit, art, education: The secret history of playing cards explainedFrom China, through Persia, India, Europe and now in most of our homes. The humble hearts, clubs, spades and jacks have quite the story to tell.
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The 'micro mosaic' at Holkham Hall that uses a fascinating, unusual technique pioneered by the VaticanJohn Goodall speaks to the Earl of Leicester about one of the most unusual and beautiful objects at Holkham Hall in Norfolk.
