Tripping the light fantastic

Lovers’ lure, warning of death or simply a form of communication, the purpose of Nature’s paintbox may be curious, but its vibrant hues are always worth celebrating, eulogises John Lewis-Stempel

The sheer textile has a fascinating way with light, allowing or intercepting its passage through the weave. Its qualities have taken several centuries to prove useful as well as beautiful. Handwoven l

IT being the season for the painted purple ...

The part played by beauty in sexual selection

This month, get creative with patterned fabrics and wallpapers, make everlasting paper flowers and invest in some quality bed linen or tableware

July sees non-stop wildlife action, says James Lowen