Threads of identity

To mark VJ Day 80, Fiona Bruce focuses on some touching family treasures

There can’t be many shops that have received the distinction of being commemorated by the Royal Mint striking a coin in its honour. Not just any coin, but a £5 model, either in plain gold at £3,965, o

A cut-crystal bed, with associated mirrors and throne, sparkled at auction earlier this month, but no glamour could beat the prize that was the Union Flag flown by HMS Spartiate at the Battle of Trafalgar

This year the iconic London store Liberty celebrates its 150th anniversary. Acclaimed for its quirky, imaginative style – and renowned for its sumptuous, printed fabrics – a century and a half on the

Graceful and practical in equal measure, the parasol has a long and colourful history when it comes to creating shade. Deborah Nicholls-Lee takes cover

Can we have a flagpole, Mum?” asked Jacob. Sitting in the driver’s seat of my car, I blinked. I’d just picked up my twelve-year-old son from the airport. During the summer holidays, he’d flown all the