Art and Antiques

My favourite painting: Emma Bridgewater

'For me, it’s like a prayer. Or a meditation,' says Emma Bridgewater of her favourite painting.

In Focus: The Suffolk sculptor who ended up rubbing shoulders with Laurie Lee, Lucian Freud and George Melly in 1960s London

The sculptor Elisabeth Frink (1930–93) responded to the climate of the Cold War with powerful works exploring man and beast as predator and prey. As her work undergoes a timely reappraisal, Mary Miers considers her career.

My Favourite Painting: Jane Glover

Musicican Jane Glover chooses one of the greatest works of art in Venetian history.

In Focus: The sculptor whose work 'treads that fine line between likeness and caricature'

At a time when public statuary is much in the news, Timothy Mowl considers the work of a leading British figurative sculptor.

My Favourite Painting: Robert Adam

Architect Robert Adam chooses a portrait that brings a modern twist to one of the Western civilisation's oldest stories.

In Focus: The artist and printmaker who was 'master of the unassuming sublime'

Mary Miers considers the contribution made to British art by William Nicholson (1872–1949).

My Favourite Painting: Julian Sands

The actor Julian Sands chooses one of art history's most extraordinary archaeological finds: the Steppe Bison painted at the Cave of Altamira, which he had the good fortune to see in person.

My Favourite Painting: David Anderson

The director of the National Museum Cardiff chooses a portrait by Josef Herman of one of Wales's great modern poets.

In Focus: Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, the Scottish artist whose work spanned the 20th century

Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (1912–2004) spanned the 20th century with a remarkable range of figurative and abstract paintings and drawings that deserve to be better known, says Peyton Skipwith.

My Favourite Painting: Rebecca Stott

The writer chooses an unusual image by the iconic Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.

My Favourite Painting: Andrew Ellis

Andrew Ellis, director of Art UK, chooses a painting by a young war artist who was killed in pursuit of his craft.

In Focus: How Spode went from local ceramics manufacturer to global fame and household name

This year, Spode celebrates its 250th anniversary. Matthew Dennison tells the story of how this English ceramics manufacturer, still based in the Potteries.

My Favourite Painting: Alice Strang

Alice Strang of the National Galleries of Scotland chooses a 1920s work by Agnes Miller Parker.

In Focus: The art of Andy Warhol, the 'the anti-William Morris', whose vision shaped the world as we know it

With his focus on consumerism, celebrity and counter-culture, Andy Warhol (1928–87) helped to create today’s world. Michael Murray-Fennell considers the influential Pop artist.

My Favourite Painting: Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry chooses his favourite painting for Country Life.

My Favourite Painting: Nick Hewer

Countdown presenter Nick Hewer is inspired by a recent trip to Japan to choose this iconic painting.

In Focus: Francis Wheatley, the Londoner who immortalised everyday Georgian life across the strata of society

Francis Wheatley RA (1747–1801) is best known today for his ‘Cries of London’, but, as Matthew Dennison explains, he was also a painter of delightful and accomplished portraits and landscapes.

My Favourite Painting: Jenni Murray

The journalist and broadcaster Jenni Murray talks about a painting that is 'the first illustration of #MeToo'.

In Focus: The village and cottage featured in Constable's The Hay Wain, the the ultimate image of English country life

Kate Green takes a look at the village of Flatford, in the Dedham Vale AONB, and in particular the cottage that inspired John Constable's most famous painting: The Hay Wain.

My Favourite Painting: George Plumptre

The chief executive of the NGS — and a regular contributor to Country Life — chooses a family portrait which hangs in his family home.