Culture
Investing in Fine Art
Have you ever considered investing in fine art? While it may seem like a luxury reserved for the wealthy, anyone can invest in fine art - and potentially see significant returns on their investment. Fine art investing doesn't just allow you to own a beautiful piece of artwork, but it also has the potential to diversify your portfolio and increase its value over time.
![Anton Mauve and Van Gogh: The Master and His Pupil](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/3/9/740/200x200/99610/painting.jpg)
Anton Mauve and Van Gogh: The Master and His Pupil
Vincent van Gogh is widely considered one of the greatest masters of his craft even more than a century after his death. However, what many of Van Gogh’s fans may not know is that the artist had a tutor of his own.
Young Scots abroad opt for cultural education over all-night partying
More young Scots choose a holiday abroad to experience a new culture, learn about themselves or gain perspective on life, than to socialise or party the night away, according to the latest How Scotland Lives research from Bank of Scotland.
![Great expectations for UK book sales](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/3/6/988/200x200/97421/reading.jpg)
Great expectations for UK book sales
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Brits just love a good book, so much so that the market is not set to surpass the £2 billion mark.
![Halloween more a delight than fright](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/3/5/122/200x200/95488/halloween-display.jpg)
Halloween more a delight than fright
It’s a tradition that is well established across the pond, but now it seems that Halloween has found a place in UK consumers hearts and in their wallets too.
![On a high: Coffee shop sales to top £3 billion in 2016](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/3/3/657/200x200/94003/coffee.jpg)
On a high: Coffee shop sales to top £3 billion in 2016
Coffee shops, it seems no UK high-street is complete without one, and proving consumers passion for espressos, lattes and cappuccinos, new research from Mintel reveals that this year coffee shop sales are set to reach a record new high as the market tops £3 billion.
The weirdest collections on the planet
People have always had an obsession with collecting different things. From toasters to belly button fluff, there really are some strange collections out there.
![A culture checklist for aspiring Brits](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/3/1/697/200x200/92040/art-gallery.jpg)
A culture checklist for aspiring Brits
Owning a library card, watching subtitled films and being skilled with a pair of chopsticks are among the traits which make you cultured, according to Brits.
![Brits crown their all-time favourite classic literary heroine](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/3/1/485/200x200/91836/reading.jpg)
Brits crown their all-time favourite classic literary heroine
Elizabeth Bennet, the charming and quick-witted protagonist from Jane Austin’s beloved Pride and Prejudice, has been crowned the nation’s all-time favourite classic literary heroine.
![Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival celebrates its Diamond year](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/1/4/913/200x200/75917/harriet-walter.jpg)
Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival celebrates its Diamond year
The Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival celebrates its Diamond year when it takes place from the 30 June – 4 August.
![At-Bristol science centre's planetarium to become the UK's first digital 3D Planetarium](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/2/9/022/200x200/89268/millennium-square.jpg)
At-Bristol science centre's planetarium to become the UK's first digital 3D Planetarium
At-Bristol science centre, one of the UK's leading interactive science centres, is upgrading its Planetarium to become the UK's first digital 3D Planetarium.
![London Super Comic Convention](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/2/8/440/200x200/88681/london-super-comic-convention.jpg)
London Super Comic Convention
London Super Comic Convention, the UK’s largest and most exciting comic event, confirms a host of top comic artists and cosplayers for the 2015 bill, including Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines and David Mack.
![London Craft Week makes its debut 6-10 May 2015](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/2/6/934/200x200/87300/glass-blowing.jpg)
London Craft Week makes its debut 6-10 May 2015
London Craft Week, a brand new initiative that positions makers centre stage of the world’s creative capital will open on Wednesday, 6 May 2015.
![A tale of two festivals in the UK’s next City of Culture](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/2/6/894/200x200/87265/city-of-culture.jpg)
A tale of two festivals in the UK’s next City of Culture
Heard the one about the city with two cultural festivals running at the same time?
!['Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens’ makes the perfect Christmas gift for heritage lovers](/uploads/cache/thumbs/1/2/6/791/200x200/87160/hudsons.jpg)
'Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens’ makes the perfect Christmas gift for heritage lovers
Anyone who loves a day out will be looking forward to the 2015 Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens.