Art and Antiques

My Favourite Painting: Alexzandra Hildred

In Focus: An exhibition capturing both the old and young selves of William Nicholson and James Pryde

Peyton Skipwith enjoys an exhibition that explores the reciprocal influences and artistic partnership, as well as the different temperaments, that shaped two remarkable careers.

Constance Spry pottery: From charity-shop staple to the peak of chic

Catriona Gray considers the legacy of one of Britain’s most innovative florists, whose vases have have become modern collectors’ items.

My Favourite Painting: Thea Musgrave

In Focus: Edvard Munch's Madonna — sanctity, fertility and mortality in a picture as startling as The Scream

Edvard Munch's fame rests on 'The Scream', but his other works are equally riveting. Lilias Wigan paid a visit to the British Museum's exhibition and took an in-depth look at one of the masterpieces on display.

In Focus: The Bald Eagle, America's symbol, 'torn apart, deranged and fragmented' by Lee Krasner

Lee Krasner's bold work is the subject of an exhibition at The Barbican. Lilias Wigan paid a visit, and focuses in one one of the artist's extraordinary collages.

What to look out for at Masterpiece, from speedboats and cabinets to paintings and books

Masterpiece takes place this week — June 27 to July 3 — and Huon Mallalieu can hardly wait. Here are some of the pieces he's most looking forward to seeing.

My Favourite Painting: James Graham-Stewart

‘Is it in the present or in the past? These plays on time and space keep the story alive. None of this would be especially interesting if it weren’t for the unsurpassed humanity that binds Velázquez’s virtuosity.'

Port Lympne’s breathtaking Spencer Roberts Room: Where art and interior design meet a love of wildlife

The Spencer Roberts Room at the Port Lympne Hotel contains a spectacular mural that can teach us all something about having our interiors exactly as we want them.

Antique dealers and interior designers on the objects they would never sell

When wonderful objects come into your hands on a daily basis, how does something become so special that you couldn't bear to be without it? Arabella Youens spoke to some of Britain's best antiques dealers and designers to discover the answer.

In Focus: The garden paintings bursting with colour that defined the craft of Ivon Hitchens

It's 40 years since the death of Ivon Hitchens, and the painter is being honoured with exhibitions at the Garden Museum in London and Pallant House in Chichester. Charles Derwent takes a look at the artist's key works.

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.'

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.

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'.

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.’

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.

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.

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.

My Favourite Painting: Robin Knox-Johnston

Henry Moore at Houghton Hall: Where ancient architecture meets modern art