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Why the quaint paintings of Thomas Kinkade divided the US

(Image credit: The Kinkade Family Foundation) Beloved by many, despised by others, Thomas Kinkade’s quaint rustic scenes and his wholesome image belied a dark and

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The pioneering building that scandalised Paris

Emmanuel Lafont/ Enrico Cano (Credit: Emmanuel Lafont/ Enrico Cano) The daring, radical Pompidou Centre was derided by many when its design was first unveiled –

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The true story of The Great Escape

Alamy (Credit: Alamy) On 24 March 1944, 76 allied officers broke out of a German prisoner-of-war camp, Stalag Luft III – a mission that was

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Author Ann Patchett on writing amid chaos

Natassja Ebert (Credit: Natassja Ebert) In the latest episode of Influential, US writer Ann Patchett shares how seeing kindness around her influences the way she

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The surprising story of Van Gogh’s guardian angel

Courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Credit: Courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) At the toughest, most turbulent time of his life, the Post-Impressionist painter

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Will Snow White be a ‘victim of its moment’? How the Disney remake became 2025’s most divisive film

Disney The live-action version of the classic fairy-tale animation sounded like a surefire hit. But even before it’s reached cinemas, the response to it has

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Five ways to spot a fake masterpiece

Alamy (Credit: Alamy) The recent discovery of an art forger’s workshop reminds us of the long history of fraudulent artworks – here are the simple

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Expect to ‘age out’ of your career, says Vera Wang

Natassja Ebert (Credit: Natassja Ebert) From making history as Vogue’s youngest-ever fashion editor to creating a gown fit for a Kennedy wedding – which would

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Why a poem outraged 1980s Britain

Emmanuel Lafont (Credit: Emmanuel Lafont) Forty years ago, Northern English poet Harrison published a powerful work inspired by vandalised gravestones in his hometown Leeds. Then,

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Why the Oscars ceremony needs ‘a major shake-up’

Getty Images (Credit: Getty Images) Last night’s show featured a bizarre James Bond tribute – while failing to duly honour visionary director David Lynch. That