Kirsten Tambling is curator of The Clockworks. Her book Shakespearean Objects in the Royal Collection, 1714–1939 is published by Oxford University Press (2025).
The prehistoric monument may seem timeless, but enthusiasts have constantly reimagined the site to suit their own preoccupations
The firm of Fabergé is synonymous with the Russian Imperial family, but its fabulous baubles soon became a must-have for elites across Europe
The artist’s commercial cat illustrations were hugely popular in his lifetime, but his series of psychedelic kitties have attracted rather more serious attention
William Hogarth liked to present himself as a bluff Englishman, but the truth was a touch more complicated
When the painter finally moved to the capital, he was quick to make the most of the opportunities on offer
Robert Walpole was a supreme political operator, but his power and personal wealth also made him a splendid butt of satire
Many British royals have been keen on acquiring works of art, but few have been as diligent about looking after them as Queen Mary
Mulberry trees are rare in the city, yet more than one is currently under threat – including the oldest tree in the East End
The actor did more than anyone to revive Shakespeare’s reputation in the 18th century – and a plethora of curious wooden relics also played their part
An illustrated inventory made for Jean de Jullienne shows us how his paintings were displayed
