Breasts have been the focal point of the culture wars of the last 50-odd years. Second-wave feminists ditching their bras in the 1970s come to mind, followed by ongoing judgment-filled debates about breastfeeding and, more recently, more worrying and recent hostilities regarding transgender healthcare. The celebration of female sensuality, which has recently manifested itself in… Read More »
Capel-Y-Ffin built 1870 (Fine & Country) In the verdant hills of Monmouthshire, near the market town of Abergavenny, stands a whitewashed stone abbey built in the 19th century. This is Capel-y-Ffin Abbey, built around a square central courtyard and surrounded by eight acres of gardens and grounds. Outside, there is a white statue of the… Read More »
The reasons behind the fashion in ‘Mary & George’Rory Mulvey If you’re not familiar with Jacobean dress, it’s time to become aware. As costume designer Annie Symons explains to us when discussing her work on the new miniseries Mary & George (available now on Now TV), the period when James I jointly ruled both England… Read More »
On the top floor of Ca’ Rezzonico you can see the frescoes of the private villa of Giandomenico Tiepolo – Alamy. Venice has always been a crowded city. Even centuries ago there were complaints about noise and chaos. As much as I love this place today, the sheer number of other visitors can be a… Read More »