The globe

In the 17th century, the great maritime nations were vying to solve a puzzle that had confounded philosophers for many centuries: how to determine exact positions on the Earth’s surface. And in Britai

Theatre: Hamlet Lyttelton, National Theatre, London SE1 ...

It’s the end of August and I’m crammed into the window seat of a small artisan’s cottage preserved in the spirit of turn-of-the-century Donegal, Ireland. The fireplace, still in regular use, gives out

The world’s smallest theatre – a 12-seat venue ...

I n 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. That, at least, is what the famous rhyme tells us. Memorising such dates is a common experience of being taught history – a cliché superbly lampooned by the w

Obelisks, pyramids and motifs from ancient Egypt didn’t only influence grand country houses or powerful Biblical paintings, but also shaped tea-ware, cinemas and even factory floors, as Michael Hall reveals