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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Everything you could ever want to know about tennis on grass in the Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 18, 2026The grass court tennis season is well underway. This quiz will test your ball knowledge.
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A wisteria-clad, 303-year-old house that ticks every single boxCrakehall Hall is for sale in an idyllic village in Yorkshire, where you can sit at your grand piano and peer out at the cricket match happening on the green.
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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.
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The art of the hand: George Saumarez Smith's design for Country Life at ChelseaGeorge Saumarez Smith will demonstrate the power of pen and pencil when Country Life unveils his hand-drawn design for its stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
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Reader event report: An eye to the future at DaylesfordThe magnificent Heritage Barn at Daylesford in the Cotswolds was the setting for an event at which five specialists with a deep understanding of country properties shared their expertise.
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Reader Event: An eye to the future at Daylesford Heritage HouseWhat changes to a house do most to enhance its aesthetics, function, comfort, sustainability and longevity? On March 24, leading experts in architecture, interior design, craft and restoration will share the secrets to maximising possibilities and protecting value at Daylesford’s magnificent Heritage House in Gloucestershire.
