A few weeks ago, we asked four leading figures from the worlds of interior design and antiques to name the possessions from which they would never be parted as part of the Charles Stanley Wealth Managers event at Christie’s in London.
After a welcome from Paul Abberley, CEO of Charles Stanley Wealth Managers, Orlando Rock, chairman of Christie’s UK, Nina Campbell, antique dealer Will Fisher and Sarah Reynolds, Christie’s expert in British paintings, discussed possessions that were of huge value to them, but not necessarily to anyone else.
Heirlooms chosen included a portrait by Norman Parkinson, an inherited engagement ring, an early-19th-century bust of Greek philosopher Chrysippus and an 18th-century carving of a dead bird.
The result of these revelations was a lively discussion that demonstrated how objects can become imbued with meaning for a variety of different reasons.
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One of the world's finest polo estates for sale, with pristine pitches, a string of houses, and space for 120 horsesThe Emsworth Estate is up for sale, and it's a vanishingly-rare opportunity to buy a place that's been home-from-home to the greatest polo player of all time.
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Can you finish the proverb? Try your luck in the Country Life Quiz of the Day, August 6, 2026Ten well-known phrases from across the centuries — can you finish them off?
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The art of the country garden at DaylesfordOn July 2 this year, five experts shared their thoughts on the secret of creating the perfect rural sanctuary.
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Rooms with a view: The new Oakwrights garden pavilion collectionA new collection of garden pavilions from Oakwrights offers hand-crafted structures designed for those who want to spend more time in their own great outdoors.
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Homegrown heroes: The British stone from Artorius Faber which transformed Country Life's RHS Chelsea Flower Show standGeorge Saumarez Smith’s design for the floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been brought to life by Artorius Faber.
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Star of the show: How George Saumarez Smith's design for Country Life wowed visitors at the Chelsea Flower ShowThe Garden Lover’s Library, created by George Saumarez Smith for Country Life, dazzled visitors at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
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Inspired by the past: How Munder Skiles blended old and new for Country Life's stand at the Chelsea Flower ShowOn Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, two striking designs by Munder Skiles demonstrated the exciting possibilities of combining inspiration from the past, artisanal skills, high-quality materials and cutting-edge engineering to create furniture suited to inside and out.
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Reader event: The art of the country house garden at DaylesfordWhat are the ingredients of the perfect country garden in the 21st century? At this Country Life event, five leading experts will share their wisdom on achieving pleasing good looks, creating comfortable spaces for relaxation, manageable maintenance and how to make a garden your own.
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Art underfoot: How Artorius Faber brought to life the stone floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower ShowGeorge Saumarez Smith’s design for the floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been brought to life by Artorius Faber.
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The best of British: How home-grown stone will be one of the stars on the Country Life stand at the Chelsea Flower ShowCountry Life's stand at RHS Chelsea will celebrate the beauty of Artorius Faber’s home-grown stone.
