THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE

DUKE OF EDINBURGH INJURED IN CARRIAGE ACCIDENT

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH HAS RECENTLY INJURED HIS ANKLE AFTER CRASHING HIS HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE INTO A TREE STUMP. THE 88 YEAR OLD ROYAL ESCAPED WITH ONLY A 'MINOR INJURY' TO HIS ANKLE FOLLOWING THE COLLISION ON THE WINDSOR ESTATE ON FRIDAY MORNING, BUCKINGHAM PALACE SAID. THE DUKE WAS OUT CARRIAGE DRIVING IN THE 5,000 ACRE GREAT PARK WITH A FEMALE GROOM WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. A SPOKESMAN SAID THAT HE LOST CONTROL AS THE PONIES STARTED TO 'RUN AWAY' IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE IMPACT. THE CARRIAGE DID NOT OVERTURN. ALTHOUGH THE DUKE DID HURT HIS ANKLE, HE WAS SAID TO BE IN GOOD SPIRITS, AND THE INJURY HAS NOT FORCED HIM TO CANCEL ANY ENGAGEMENTS. THE PONIES PULLING THE CARRIAGE WERE UNHURT BUT THE GROOM SUFFERED AN INJURY TO HER ELBOW AND WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. A SPOKESMAN SAID: 'THE DUKE HAS A MINOR INJURY TO HIS ANKLE AND DID NOT NEED HOSPITAL TREATMENT. HE HAS BEEN OUT AND ABOUT AS NORMAL THIS AFTERNOON. THE FEMALE GROOM WHO WAS WITH THE DUKE HAS BEEN TO HOSPITAL FOR DIAGNOSIS FOR AN INJURY TO HER ELBOW. THE PONIES PULING THE CARRIAGE WERE RECOVERED UNHARMED.' THE MISHAP IS THE LATEST IN A STRING OF INJURIES THE DUKE HAS SUSTAINED THROUGH CARRIAGE DRIVING AND RIDING HORSES OVER THE YEARS. EARLY LAST YEAR, THE DUKE WAS FORCED TO CANCEL A DAY'S PHEASANT SHOOTING AND SEVERAL ROYAL ENGAGEMENTS AFTER PULLING A MUSCLE IN HIS BACK WHILE DRIVING A HORSE AND CARRIAGE. IN 2004, THE DUKE WROTE A BOOK, '30 YEARS ON AND OFF THE BOX SEAT', WHICH REVEALED HIS PASSION FOR CARRIAGE DRIVING, AND HIS INTENTION TO CONTINUE AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. 'I AM GETTING OLD', HE WROTE. 'MY REACTIONS ARE GETTING SLOWER AND MY MEMORY IS UNRELIABLE. BUT, I HAVE NOT LOST THE SHEER PLEASURE OF DRIVING A TEAM THROUGH THE BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD A LONGER INNINGS THAN MOST, I HAVE NO INTENTION OF GIVING UP WHILE I HAVE A TEAM OF WILLING PONIES AND DEDICATED GROOMS.'

ISRAEL MUSEUM COMPLETES RESTORATION ON 15th CENTURY HEBREW MANUSCRIPT

EXPERTS AT ISRAEL'S NATIONAL MUSEUM HAVE COMPLETED THE RESTORATION OF A 15th CENTURY HEBREW MANUSCRIPT WITH EXQUISITE ILLUSTRATIONS MADE BY MASTER ITALIAN ARTISANS, OFFICIALS SAD THURSDAY. THE RENAISSANCE MASTERPIECE IS A COPY OF THE MISHNEH TORAH, AN IMPORTANT WORK OF JEWISH LAW WRITTEN THREE CENTURIES EARLIER BY THE MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHER AND RABBI MAIMONIDES. THE MANUSCRIPT, WRITTEN ON ANIMAL SKIN, DISCUSSES LAWS GOVERNING PROPERTY, RITUAL PURITY AND AGRICULTURE. IT INCLUDES HEBREW WORDS IN GOLD LEAF AND MINIATURE FIGURES IN COLOURFUL DRESS AGAINST BRILLIANT SKIES OF BLUE SHADE MADE FROM LAPIS LAZULI STONES. IT TOOK A YEAR FOR A TEAM AT THE ISRAEL MUSEUM IN JERUSALEM TO REPAIR THE MANUSCRIPT AND PREPARE IT FOR DISPLAY, CURATOR ANNA NIZZA SAID. THE MUSEUM HAS HALF OF THE ORIGINAL BOOK, WHICH WAS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS IN THE 19th CENTURY. THE OTHER HALF IS OWNED BY THE VATICAN LIBRARY. THE MANUSCRIPT DISPLAYED TO REPORTERS AT A RECENT PRESS CONFERENCE WAS CREATED IN ITALY JUST AS THE ERA OF GREAT ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS WAS DRAWING TO A CLOSE AND THE ART OF BOOKMAKING IN EUROPE WAS BEING PERMANENTLY ALTERED BY THE ADVENT OF THE PRINTING PRESS. A US COUPLE BOUGHT THE WORK FROM A FAMILY IN FRANKFURT, GERMANY, FOR AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT IN 2007 AND HAS LENT IT TO THE MUSEUM. IT IS SLATED TO GO ON DISPLAY IN JULY.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNEARTH 383 EGYPTIAN/GREEK COINS

ARCHAEOLOGISTS HAVE UNEARTHED 383 BRONZE COINS DATING BACK TO KING PTOLEMY III WHO RULED EGYPT IN THE 3rd CENTURY BC AND WAS AS ANCESTOR OF THE FAMED CLEOPATRA, THE EGYPTIAN ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY ANNOUNCED THURSDAY. THE STATEMENT SAID ONE SIDE OF THE COINS WERE INSCRIBED WITH HYBRID GREEK-EGYPTIAN GOD AMUN-ZEUS, WHILE THE OTHER SIDE SHOWED AN EAGLE AND THE WORDS PTOLEMY AND KING IN GREEK. FOUNDED BY ONE OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT'S GENERALS, THE PTOLEMAIC PERIOD DYNASTY RULED EGYPT FOR SOME 300 YEARS, FUSING GREEK AND ANCIENT EGYPT CULTURES. THE COINS WERE FOUND NORTH OF QARUN LAKE IN FAYOUM OASIS 50 MILES SOUTHWEST OF CAIRO. OTHER ARTIFACTS WERE UNEARTHED IN THE AREA INCLUDED THREE NECKLACES MADE OF OSTRICH EGG SHELL DATING BACK TO THE 4th MILLENNIUM BC AND A POT OF KHOL EYELINER FROM THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE. THE OBJECTS WILL ALL BE DISPLAYED IN THE NEW EGYPTIAN MUSEUM WHICH IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION NEAR THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA.

NEW $100 BILL REVEALED

DUE TO BE RELEASED 10.FEBRUARY.2011 THE AMERICAN $100 BILL HAS HAD A STUNNING NEW MAKEOVER, TO DETER THE PROLIFERATION OF COUNTERFEITING, AND IS FULL OF NEW AND HIDDEN FEATURES. 'AS WITH PREVIOUS US CURRENCY REDESIGNS, THIS NOTE INCORPORATES THE BEST TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE TO ENSURE WE'RE STAYING AHEAD OF COUNTERFEITERS', SAID SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TIM GEITHNER. 'WHAT'S ESPECIALLY NICE IS THAT WITH THIS NEW HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL, YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AN EXPERT TO SEE IF YOU'RE BEING FOOLED.' FOR EXAMPLE, THERE'S A NEW BLUE RIBBON EMBEDDED IN THE BILL. THAT'S A '3-D SECURITY RIBBON', WITH BELLS AND 100s THAT MOVE AND CHANGE BACK AND FORTH LIKE A HOLOGRAM. THERE'S ALSO A BELL IN THE INKWELL ON THE BILL FRONT WHICH CAN BARLEY BEE SEEN, IT CHANGES COLOUR FROM COPPER TO GREEN WHEN THE BILL IS TILTED FORWARD. AND THE FINAL TOUCH IS A DIFFICULT TO REPLICATE WATERMARK PORTRAIT OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. 'THE ADVANCED SECURITY FEATURES WE'VE INCLUDED IN THE NEW $100 NOTE WILL HINDER POTENTIAL COUNTERFEITERS FROM PRODUCING HIGH-QUALITY FAKES THAT CAN DECEIVE CONSUMERS AND MERCHANTS', SAID LARRY R FELIX, DIRECTOR OF THE TREASURY'S BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING. ADDITIONAL NEW FEATURES INCLUDE PHRASES FROM THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, A BIG QUILL AND A VIGNETTE OF THE REAR OF INDEPENDENCE HALL ON THE BACK.

DAVID LINELY'S UNION JACK ACCESSORIES COLLECTION

VISCOUNT DAVID LINLEY, THE LUXURY CABINETMAKER, AND NEPHEW OF QUEEN ELIZABETH, HAS RECENTLY UNVEILED A STUNNING NEW COLLECTION OF VERY BRITISH ACCESSORIES FEATURING AN INLAID UNION JACK DESIGN. CONSISTING OF A HUMIDOR, JEWELRY BOX, TEA CADDY, CUFFLINK BOX, AND LARGE AND SMALL PICTURE FRAMES, THE EXQUISITE PIECES ARE FINISHED IN WALNUT WITH THE FLAG ARTFULLY RENDERED IN A MARQUETRY OF BURR OAK, BURR WALNUT AND RIPPLE SYCAMORE REPRESENTING THE COLOURS. THE CHOICE OF DESIGN IS AN APPROPRIATE ONE; LIKE LINLEY HIMSELF, THE UNION JACK REPRESENTS A ROYAL LINEAGE; THE FLAG ORIGINATED IN 1606 AFTER KING JAMES I WAS CROWNED, UNITING THE KINGDOMS OF ENGLAND, IRELAND, WALES AND SCOTLAND. THE HUMIDOR, PRICED AT $2,000, IS LINED WITH SPANISH CEDAR WOOD TO HELP MAINTAIN A STABLE HUMIDITY AND SUPPORTS THE CIGARS' AGING PROCESS. IT ALSO HAS A BUILT-IN HUMIDIFIER AND HYDROMETER. THE JEWELRY BOX, PRICED AT $1,800, IS LOCKABLE AND LINED IN RED FAUX SUEDE WITH A COMPARTMENTALIZED, REMOVABLE TRAY. THE TEA CADDY, PRICED AT $1,000, IS AVAILABLE IN A LIMITED EDITION OF 25 PIECES, AND COMES COMPLETE WITH A SUPPLY OF FORTNUM & MASON ROYAL BLEND LOOSE LEAF TEA. THE CUFFLINK BOX, PRICED AT $650, IS LINED IN BEIGE FAUX SUEDE AND THE PICTURE FRAMES COME IN A LARGE AND SMALL SIZE FOR $440 AND $400.

ART BOOK COLLECTION DONATED TO BROOKLYN MUSEUM

AN IMPORTANT COLLECTION OF APPROXIMATELY ELEVEN THOUSAND ART BOOKS ASSEMBLED BY THEA WESTREICH AND HER HUSBAND, ETHAN WAGNER, IS BEING GIVEN TO THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM'S LIBRARY. COLLECTED OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL DECADES, THE GIFT INCLUDES KEY WORKS IN THE HISTORY OF ART, WITH EMPHASIS ON MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY MATERIAL. THE COLLECTION IS BEING DONATED IN PHASES. MANY OF THE BOOKS HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECEIVED AND LISTED IN BROOKMUSE, THE ONLINE CATALOG OF THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM LIBRARIES AND ARCHIVES. WESTREICH AND WAGNER ARE THE PRINCIPALS IN THEA WESTREICH ART ADVISORY SERVICES, A CONSULTING FIRM SPECIALIZING IN IMPRESSIONISTS, MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART. THEY ARE ALSO PUBLISHERS OF BOOKS BY ARTISTS SUCH AS RICHARD PRINCE, MIKE KELLY, CHRISTOPHER WOOL, LARRY CLARK, MARTIN KIPPENBERGER AND OTHERS. WESTREICH SAID IN A RECENT INTERVIEW: 'I STARTED COLLECTING BOOKS WHEN I WAS TWENTY YEARS OLD, AND IT HAS BEEN A PASSION EVER SINCE. I AM SURE WE WILL STILL BE BUYING BOOKS WHEN, YEARS FROM NOW, OUR LIBRARY SHELVES HAVE BEEN EMPTIED AND OUR BOOKS ARE OTHERWISE ALL AT THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM.' THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM LIBRARIES AND ARCHIVES IS A NON-CIRCULATING COLLECTION SERVING THE MUSEUM STAFF AND VISITING PUBLIC THAT CONTAINS MORE THAN 30,000 VOLUMES. THE RESEARCH HOLDINGS REFLECT THE MUSEUM'S ENCYCLOPEDIA COLLECTIONS. SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST INCLUDE ARTISTS' BOOKS, DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHS, FASHION AND COSTUME SKETCHES, AND RARE BOOKS AND MANUSCRIPTS.

LENIN EXHIBITION RETURNS TO UKRAINIAN CAPITAL AFTER TWO DECADES

MOTH-EATEN SOCKS AND OTHER CLOTHES ONCE WORN BY VLADIMIR LENIN, THE LEADER OF THE 1917 BOLSHEVIK REVOLUTION, HAVE GONE ON EXHIBIT IN UKRAINE'S CAPITAL FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE FORMER SOVIET REPUBLIC BECAME INDEPENDENT ALMOST TWO DECADES AGO. THE EXHIBITION, TIMES TO COINCIDE WITH THE 140th ANNIVERSARY OF LENIN'S BIRTH, WAS MADE POSSIBLE UNDER THE COUNTRY'S NEW RUSSIA-FRIENDLY PRESIDENT. IN SOVIET TIMES, DOZENS OF MUSEUMS WERE DEDICATED TO THE LIFE OF THE CHARISMATIC FOUNDER OF THE SOVIET UNION. LENINGRAD, THE CRADLE OF THE REVOLUTION NOW ONCE AGAIN CALLED ST PETERSBURG, HAD 11 OF THEM. KIEV OPENED ITS LENIN MUSEUM IN 1938, EVEN THOUGH LENIN HAD NEVER BEEN TO THE UKRAINIAN CAPITAL. BUT WHEN THE SOVIET UNION BEGAN TO DISINTEGRATE, THE COLLECTION WAS DISMANTLED AND PACKED AWAY IN VARIOUS STOREROOMS. THAT STATUE OF LENIN THAT HAD DOMINATED KIEV'S MAIN SQUARE WAS DESTROYED, AS WERE SIMILAR MONUMENTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. THE FORMER LENIN MUSEUM WAS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ARTS CENTER CALLED THE UKRAINIAN HOUSE, WHICH INHERITED THE VAST COLLECTION. 'WE TRIED TO PERSUADE THE AUTHORITIES TO REVIVE THE COLLECTION OVER THE YEARS, BUT THE ANSWER WAS ALWAYS 'IT'S NOT THE RIGHT TIME', SAID A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE MUSEUM. THE RIGHT TIME CAME AFTER VIKTOR YANUKOVYCH BECAME PRESIDENT EARLIER THIS YEAR. LIKE RUSSIA, UKRAINE HAS SEEN A RISE IN NOSTALGIA FOR THE SOVIET PERIOD, IN PART BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN. 'THIS EXHIBITION IS NOT JUST TO SHAKE OFF THE DUST FROM THE MUSEUM'S TRASH, AND OBVIOUSLY NOT TO REVIVE LENIN'S CULT, BUT TO PUT IT INTO THE MODERN CONTEXT', THE SPOKESPERSON ADDED. 'A DIALOGUE BETWEEN PATHOS AND IRONY, PROPAGANDA AND CRITICISM, DOCUMENTARY AND MYSTIFICATION, THIS IS WHAT THE EXHIBITION IS ALL ABOUT.' THE EXHIBITION INCLUDES PAINTINGS BY MODERN ARTISTS DEPICTING MARILYN MONROE AND A HALF-NAKED MADONNA PERFORMING FOR THE BOLSHEVIKS IN A MOCKERY OF THEIR RULE. A RECONSTRUCTION OF LENIN'S ROOM AT THE KREMLIN SHOWS A TABLE AND LAMP WITH AN ICONIC GREEN GLASS SHADE, LEATHER ARMCHAIRS ON EACH SIDE. ON THE TABLE ARE WRITING MATERIALS AND VARIOUS SOUVENIRS, INCLUDING A BRONZE MONKEY THAT WAS A GIFT FROM THE AMERICAN OIL TYCOON ARMAND HAMMER. IN ADDITION TO LENIN'S OLD SOCKS, THE EXHIBITION INCLUDES THE 'KOSOVOROTKA', THE LONG PEASANT SHIRT LENIN WORE WHILE HIDING IN THE MONTHS AHEAD OF THE OCTOBER 1917 REVOLUTION, AND A COPY OF THE SUIT HE WAS WEARING WHEN SHOT DURING A FAILED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT THE FOLLOWING YEAR. MOST OF THE PEOPLE WHO VISITED THE EXHIBITION, THE DAY AFTER THE GRAND OPENING WERE MOSTLY ELDERLY. THEY STOOD FOR LONG PERIODS IN FRONT OF THE EXHIBITS, WHICH FILLS THREE FLOORS, TAKING IN THE DETAILS OF LENIN'S LIFE.

WYNN ENCORE OPENS IN MACAU

STEVE WYNN RECENTLY UNVEILED ENCORE, HIS NEW, ALL-SUITES BOUTIQUE HOTEL. ADJACENT TO SISTER RESORT WYNN MACAU, ENCORE IS A UNIQUE DESTINATION WITH ITS OWN REPERTOIRE OF SUITES, DINING AND SHOPPING. 'OUR GOAL WITH ENCORE WAS TO BROADEN THE APPEAL OF MACAU AS A TOURIST DESTINATION AND OPEN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOTEL IN THE WORLD. I AM GRATEFUL TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF MACAU WHO GAVE US THIS OPPORTUNITY. AS A RESULT, THE LOVELIEST HOTEL IN THE WORLD IS NOT IN LONDON, PARIS, TOKYO, NEW YORK OR SAN FRANCISCO. IT IS HERE IN MACAU. ENCORE AT WYNN WILL BRING THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVICE AND ACCOMMODATIONS TO THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND WILL BE ENJOYED BY OUR EMPLOYEES AND GUESTS FOREVER', STEVE WYNN SAID AT A RECENT INTERVIEW. ACCOMMODATIONS AT ENCORE INCLUDE 414 SUITES AND VILLAS THAT OFFER TASTEFUL ELEGANCE IN A COMFORTABLE, RESIDENTIAL SETTING. ENCORE INTRODUCES TWO NEW RESTAURANTS TO THE WYNN DINING FAMILY, AND BAR CRISTAL'S JEWEL-BOX DECOR TURNS A CLASSIC LOBBY BAR INTO A WORK OF ART. THE SERENE SPA AT ENCORE OFFERS TREATMENTS IN EIGHT PRIVATE THERAPY SUITES, EACH WITH ITS OWN STEAM ROOM, SAUNA AND AROMA-HYDROTHERAPY BATH AND SHOWER. THE SHOPPING ESPLANADE IS HOME THREE SIGNATURE BOUTIQUES; CARTIER, CHANEL AND PIAGET, SHOWCASING THE FINEST SELECTIONS, INCLUDING LIMITED EDITION PIECES UNIQUE TO ENCORE.

CHRISTIE'S TO 40th ANNIVERSARY OF GREEN DAY WITH A CHARITY AUCTION

ARTISTS, CONSERVATIONISTS, BUSINESS LEADERS AND FILM AND MUSIC STARS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE ARE MARKING THE 40th ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY WITH A GREEN AUCTION TO BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENT. ORGANIZERS OF THE LIVE AUCTION ON THURSDAY AT CHRISTIE'S AND A COMPANION SILENT ONLINE SALE AND RELATED EVENTS, KNOWN AS 'A BID TO SAVE THE EARTH', EXPECT TO RAISE MILLIONS FOR FOUR NONPROFIT ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS. ARTISTS JENNY HOLZER, DAMIEN HIRST, ALAN SONFIST HAVE DONATED MAJOR WORKS FOR THE SALE. JEFF KOONS WILL PROVIDE A STUDIO VISIT TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER AND ANNIE LEIBOVITZ HAS DONATED SINGED COPIES OF HER BOOK. BIDDERS CAN ALSO VIE FOR TENNIS LESSONS WITH JOHN MCENROE, AN AFTERNOON IN CENTRAL PARK WITH CANDICE BERGIN, DINNER AND THE THEATER WITH ACTRESS SIGOURNEY WEAVER OR A DAY ON THE SET WITH AUSTRALIAN STAR HUGH JACKMAN. JEWELS, WATCHES AND LUXURY GREEN TRAVEL PACKAGES WILL ROUND OUT THE ITEMS UP FOR SALE AT THURSDAY'S AUCTION. WITH PARTICIPATION FROM QUARTERS AS FAR AS DEUTSCE BANK, NBC UNIVERSAL AND RETAILERS TARGET AND BARNEYS, OFFICIALS SAID THE EVENT REFLECTED INCREASING UNDERSTANDING THAT BUSINESS CONCERNS ARE CLOSELY TIED TO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, AND THAT TWO NEED NOT BE OPPOSING FORCES. PROCEEDS FROM THE AUCTION, WHICH WILL BE CARRIED ON CHRISTIE'S LIVE AT www.christies.com AND CONTINUES WITH A SILENT AUCTION ENDING ON 6.MAY AT www.abidtosavetheearth.org, WILL ALSO BENEFIT OCEANA AND CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL. CHRISTIE'S IS WAIVING ALL FEES AND COMMISSIONS FOR THE SALE, AND IN NOD TOWARD BEING GREEN IS NOT PRINTING A CATALOG. THOSE ON A MORE MODEST BUDGET CAN SCOOP UP ONE OF BARNEY'S SPECIALLY DESIGNED $40 T-SHIRTS, A TIE-IN WITH THE EVENT.

DUCHESS OF CORNWALL INJURES SHOULDER

Calamity Camilla: First she breaks her leg... NOW she's injured her shoulder
IT'S ONLY BEEN TWO WEEKS SINCE SHE BROKE HER LEG WHILE HILL-WALKING IN SCOTLAND. BUT NOW THINGS HAVE BECOME WORSE FOR THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL WHO HAS NOW STRAINED A TENDON IN HER RIGHT SHOULDER. THE SECOND INJURY MEANS CAMILLA IS STRUGGLING TO USE HER CRUTCHES AND HAS TAKEN TO A WHEELCHAIR. RECENTLY SHE MADE LIGHT OF HER PLIGHT, EXPLAINING: 'I'VE GOT NO LEG AND AN ARM ON ONE SIDE AND NO ARM AND A LEG ON THE OTHER.' ON THE FIRST OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT SINCE THE FRACTURE, THE DUCHESS TOLD HOW SHE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER ASKING ABOUT HER HEALTH FROM A SOLDIER WHO HAD A DOUBLE AMPUTATION BECAUSE OF INJURIES HE RECEIVED IN AFGHANISTAN. THE SOLDIER, A MEMBER OF 4th BATTALION THE RIFLES OF WHICH CAMILLA IS ROYAL PATRON, WROTE TO HER AT CLARENCE HOUSE TO INQUIRE AFTER HER HEALTH. 'IT REALLY DOES PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE', SHE ADDED. AFTER BEING STUCK IN SCOTLAND FOR ALMOST A WEEK DUE TO THE VOLCANIC ASH CHAOS, SHE AND PRINCE CHARLES TRAVELED BACK TO LONDON OVERNIGHT ON TUESDAY ON THE ROYAL TRAIN. THE DUCHESS, WHO WAS WEARING A PAISLEY-PATTERNED DRESS FROM LEADING LONDON DESIGNER, ANNA VALENTINE, AND A THICK BLACK STOCKING ON HER INJURED LEG TO KEEP HER TOES WARM, INSISTED THAT THERE WAS NO POINT IN SITTING AROUND FEELING SORRY FOR HERSELF.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II AT 84

ALAN CRISTEA GALLERY PRESENTS JIM DINE EXHIBITION

'I ALWAYS NEED TO FIND SOME THEME, SOME TANGIBLE SUBJECT MATTER BESIDES THE PAINT ITSELF. OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ABSTRACT ARTIST. I NEED THAT HOOK. . . SOMETHING TO HANG MY LANDSCAPE ON', JIM DINE IN JIM DINE: FIVE THEMES, 1984. SUCH IS JIM DINE'S IMPORTANCE THAT HIS WORK HAS BEEN CELEBRATED IN SOLO EXHIBITIONS FROM THE GUGGENHEIM TO THE GETTY, AND IN MUSEUMS IN MAJOR CITIES ACROSS THE LENGTH AND BREATH OF EUROPE OVER THE PAST 55 YEARS. AS HE NEARS HIS 75th BIRTHDAY, THE DEMAND FOR HIS WORK FROM INSTITUTIONS AND COLLECTORS GROWS EVER GREATER AND HE STILL EXERTS ENORMOUS INFLUENCE OVER CONTEMPORARY ART PRACTICES THE WORLD OVER. THE 'HEART', ONE OF HIS MOST ENDURING VEHICLES FOR HIS EXPLORATIONS OF LINE AND COLOUR AND ONE OF HIS MOST EXPRESSIVE MOTIFS, WILL BE THE COMMON DENOMINATOR IN SOME 40 RECENT WORKS, MADE IN HIS STUDIOS IN NEW YORK AND GOTTINGEN, GERMANY, AND ON A RECENT JOURNEY TO INDIA, WHICH WILL BE EXHIBITED AT ALAN CRISTEA GALLERY, LONDON. THE EXHIBITION WILL CONCENTRATE ON A SERIES OF SOME TWENTY WATERCOLOURS AND A SIMILAR AMOUNT OF LIMITED EDITION PRINTS WHICH COMBINE NEW AND TIME-HONOURED TECHNOLOGY, SCREEN-PRINTING AND DIGITAL PRINTING. THE EXHIBITION OPENS 21.APRIL AND RUNS THROUGH 22.MAY.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.alancristea.com

BRITISH MUSEUM PRESENTS 'FRA ANGELICO TO LEONARDO: ITALIAN RENAISSANCE DRAWINGS'

A NEW EXHIBITION AT LONDON'S BRITISH MUSEUM UNITES ARGUABLY THE WORLD'S TWO GREATEST COLLECTIONS OF RENAISSANCE DRAWINGS AND UNDERLINES THEIR GROWING IMPORTANCE TO ARTISTS THROUGHOUT THE 15th CENTURY. 'FRA ANGELICO TO LEONARDO: ITALIAN RENAISSANCE DRAWINGS' DISPLAYS AROUND 100 WORKS BY FRA ANGELICO, BOTTICELLI, LEONARDO DA VINCI, MANTEGNA, MICHELANGELO AND TITIAN IN A SHOW ALREADY BEING HAILED BY CRITICS AS A FIVE STAR EVENT. IT COMBINES WORKS FROM THE MUSEUM'S OWN COLLECTION AND FROM THAT OF THE UFFIZI IN FLORENCE. THE SHOW RUNS FROM 22.APRIL THROUGH 25.JULY AND THE TRANSFERS TO THE UFFIZ. THE EXHIBITION EXPLAINS HOW DRAWINGS WERE USED TO PREPARE FOR MAJOR PAINTINGS AND FRESCOES AND, LATER IN THE 15th CENTURY, HOW THEY BECAME WORKS OF ART IN THEIR OWN RIGHT, PARTICULARLY WITH THE ARRIVAL OF PRINT-MAKING FROM NORTHERN EUROPE. IN ADDITION TO OFTEN DETAILED AND EXQUISITE PICTURES OF FIGURES, LIMBS AND DRAPERY ARE FAST, ROUGH SKETCHES BY THE LIKES OF DA VINCI WHO USED PEN AND INK DRAWINGS AS A WAY OF BRAINSTORMING AND ARRIVING AT IDEAS FOR MAJOR WORKS. THE SHOW ALSO UNDERLINES HOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF PAPER, A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE TO VELLUM, WAS KEY TO DRAWING'S EXPANSION. MOST OF THE WORKS ON DISPLAY WERE NEVER INTENDED FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITION ALTHOUGH TODAY THEY WOULD BE CONSIDERED MASTERPIECES.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.britishmuseum.org

QUEEN'S BABY PICTURES RELEASED TO CELEBRATE HER 84th BIRTHDAY

PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED PICTURES OF THE QUEEN AS A BABY HAVE BEEN RELEASED TO COINCIDE WITH HER 84th BIRTHDAY TODAY. THE PHOTOGRAPHS FORM PART OF AN EXHIBITION OF THE WORK OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER MARCUS ADAMS, WHICH OPENS AT WINDSOR CASTLE ON SATURDAY. THE 56 IMAGES ON DISPLAY INCLUDE PICTURES OF THEN PRINCESS ELIZABETH WHICH WERE TAKEN TO BE SENT TO HER MOTHER AND FATHER, THE FUTURE KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN ELIZABETH, WHILE THEY WERE ON A SIX-MONTH TOUR OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. AMONG THE COLLECTION IS A POIGNANT LETTER FROM THE PRINCESS'S NANNY, CLARA KNIGHT, WHICH REFLECTS HOW MANY LANDMARKS OF THEIR YOUNG DAUGHTER'S LIFE THE THEN DUKE AND DUCHESS OF YORK MISSED WHILE THEY WERE ON TOUR. THE NOTE, WRITTEN ON 8.MARCH.1927, READS: 'IF MUMMY LOOKS INTO MY WIDE OPEN MOUTH WITH A LITTLE MAGNIFYING GLASS SHE WILL SEE MY TWO TEETH. ELIZABETH IS QUITE WELL & HAPPY!' LISA HEIGHWAY, CURATOR OF THE EXHIBITION, SAID: 'THE DUCHESS OF YORK WAS CERTAINLY UNHAPPY AT THE TIME ABOUT THE IDEA OF LEAVING HER CHILD FOR SO LONG, AND AS YOU CAN SEE THAT IF YOU READ HER DIARY ENTRIES. SO WHILE THE ROYAL COUPLE WERE AWAY THE PRINCESS WAS PHOTOGRAPHED DURING FOUR SITTINGS SO THAT THE PICTURES COULD BE SENT ON TO THEM. THAT MUST HAVE BEEN A GREAT COMFORT TO THE DUCHESS. AT THE TIME, IT WAS EXPECTED THAT IF A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL FAMILY WENT AWAY FOR LONG PERIODS THEIR CHILDREN WOULD BE LEFT AT HOME, AND NO-ONE WOULD MAKE A FUSS, WHEREAS TODAY IT WOULD PROBABLY BE FROWNED UPON. CERTAINLY WHEN THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES WENT TO AUSTRALIA WHEN PRINCE WILLIAM WAS TINY THEY TOOK HIM ALONG.'

LOUIS VUITTON CELEBRATES EARTH DAY

LOUIS VUITTON NORTH AMERICA, INC. ANNOUNCED THAT IN HONOUR OF ITS 40th ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY, 10% OF ALL SALES PURCHASED ON THE LUXURY DESIGN COMPANY'S WEBSITE, www.louisvuitton.com ON 22.APRIL WILL BE DONATED TO GLOBAL GREEN USA, www.globalgreen.org. THE DONATION TO GLOBAL GREEN WILL SUPPORT THEIR GREEN SCHOOLS INITIATIVE, FOCUSED OF GREENING K-12 SCHOOLS IN SEVERAL MAJOR UNITED STATES CITIES INCLUDING NEW ORLEANS AND LOS ANGELES. IN ADDITION TO PARTNERING WITH GLOBAL GREEN, LOUIS VUITTON CONTINUES TO RAISE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND PROMOTE ACCOUNTABILITY ON www.louisvuitton.com AND AT louisvuitton_us ON TWITTER. STARTING 16.APRIL, LOUIS VUITTON WILL SHARE MESSAGES FROM KEY INFLUENCERS DETAILING THEIR OWN PERSONAL STEPS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT; ZOE SALDANA, RASHIDA ZONES, ABBIE CORNISH, PHARRELL WILLIAMS, ANDRE BALAZS, JEFFREY DEITCH, AMONG OTHERS WILL ILLUSTRATE HOW EVEN SIMPLE ACTIONS MAKE BIG DIFFERANCES.

HAMBURGER KUNSTHALLE CENTRES PRESENTS 'THE JESUS SCANDAL'

THE EXHIBITION 'THE JESUS SCANDAL' AT THE HAMBURGER KUNSTHALLE CENTRES ON AN OIL PAINTING OF PIVOTAL STANDING, 'THE TWELVE YEAR OLD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE'. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WORKS BY MAX LIEBERMANN (1847–1935), IT IS BEING HIGHLIGHTED TO MARK THE 75th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARTIST'S DEATH. WHEN THE ARTIST SHOWED THE PAINTING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1879 AT THE MUNICH INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBITION IT SPARKED A SCANDAL. CONTEMPORARY CRITICS TOOK OFFENSE THAT THE JEWISH PAINTER SHOULD DARE TO ADDRESS THE CHRISTIAN THEME OF THE 'THE TWELVE YEAR OLD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE', ESPECIALLY AS HE DEPICTED THE 'SAVIOR' AS A 'JEWISH URCHIN' OFF THE STREETS. LIEBERMANN WAS ADMONISHED FOR HAVING STRAYED TOO FAR FROM THE TRADITIONAL PORTRAYAL OF THE YOUNG CHRIST AS A DIVINE YOUTH AND OF HIS INTELLECTUAL SUPERIORITY OVER THE JEWISH SCHOLARS. YET THE ANTI-SEMITICALLY TINGED ACCUSATIONS FAILED, ON THE ONE HAND, TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT LIEBERMANN LED HIS LIFE AS AN ASSIMILATED JEW. ON THE OTHER, THEY MISJUDGED HIS ARTISTIC INTENTION OF SEEKING TO RENDER THE SCENE IN THE MOST REALISTIC WAY POSSIBLE. THE OUTRAGE THIS PAINTING EXCITED UPSET LIEBERMANN SO MUCH THAT IN THE FOLLOWING YEARS HE OVER-PAINTED THE FIGURE OF CHRIST. 'THE TWELVE YEAR OLD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE' IS ONE OF THE FEW RELIGIOUS PAINTINGS BY LIEBERMANN, AS WELL AS ONE OF HIS EARLIEST. TODAY IT HAS LOST NONE OF ITS RELEVANCE AND FASCINATION, AND WITH A SUBJECT THAT STRIKES AT THE ROOTS OF BOTH RELIGIONS, JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY, REMAINS HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL. THIS WORK FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE HAMBURGER KUNSTHALLE STILL RAISES NUMEROUS QUESTIONS CONCERNING ITS ORIGINS AND HISTORY AND IN TERMS OF THE SCANDAL AND LIEBERMANN'S OWN POSITION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RELIGIOUS DEBATES AND SOCIAL CHANGES IN THE LATE 19th CENTURY.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.hamburger-kunsthalle.de

THE MET PRESENTS 'PICASSO IN THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART'

PICASSO IN THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, A LANDMARK EXHIBITION OF OVER 300 WORKS BY PABLO PICASSO, WILL PROVIDE AN UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY TO SEE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT COLLECTION IN THE WORLD OF THE ARTIST'S WORK. ON VIEW AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART FROM 27.APRIL THROUGH 1.AUGUST, THIS IS THE FIRST EXHIBITION TO FOCUS EXCLUSIVELY ON THE REMARKABLE ARRAY OF WORKS BY PICASSO IN THE MET'S COLLECTION. THE EXHIBITION WILL REVEAL THE MUSEUM'S COMPLETE HOLDINGS OF THE ARTIST'S PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS, SCULPTURES AND CERAMICS, NEVER BEFORE SEEN IN THEIR ENTIRETY, AS WELL AS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF HIS PRINTS. THE EXHIBITION ENCOMPASSES THE KEY SUBJECTS FOR WHICH PICASSO IS SO WELL KNOW; THE PENSIVE HARLEQUINS OF HIS BLUE AND ROSE PERIODS, THE FACETED FIGURES AND TABLETOP STILL LIFES OF HIS CUBIST YEARS, THE MONUMENTAL HEADS AND CLASSICIZING BATHERS OF THE 1920s, THE RAGING BULLS AND DREAMING NUDES OF THE 1930s AND THE RAKISH MUSKETEERS OF HIS FINAL TEARS. PICASSO IN THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART WILL FEATURE 34 PAINTINGS, 58 DRAWINGS, A DOZEN SCULPTURES AND CERAMICS AND AN EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF PRINTS (SOME 200 FROM A COLLECTION OF OVER 400), ALL ACQUIRED BY THE MUSEUM OVER THE PAST 60 YEARS. IMPORTANTLY, THE EXHIBITION INCLUDES MANY WORKS ON PAPER THAT HAVE RARELY, IF EVER BEEN EXHIBITED BEFORE AT THE METROPOLITAN.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.metmuseum.org

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY PRESENTS VENETIA DEARDEN'S GLASTONBURY PORTRAITS

VENETIA DEARDEN'S PORTRAITS TAKEN AT GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY BEGINNING IN APRIL. SINCE 2004, DEARDON HAS BEEN DOCUMENTING THE MUSIC FESTIVAL AND TAKING PORTRAITS IN AN ON-SITE TEMPORARY STUDIO. THE 16 PHOTOGRAPHS ON DISPLAY WILL INCLUDE PORTRAITS OF DAME SHIRLEY BASSEY, LILLY ALLEN, PETE TOWNSHEND, LEONARD COHAN AND A SELECTION OF FESTIVAL GOERS. THE PORTRAITS ARE ALL SHOT AGAINST A WHITE STUDIO BACKDROP REMOVING THE SITTERS FROM THE CONTEXT OF THE FESTIVAL. THE WELLINGTON BOOTS, FLIP FLOPS AND MUDDY FOOTPRINTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE CLUES AS TO THE LOCATION OF THE SHOOT. THE PORTRAITS OFFER A GLIMPSE OF THE DIVERSITY AND CHARACTER OF THE 150,000 VISITORS WHO CONVERGE ON GLASTONBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL, NOW IN ITS 40th YEAR. BORN IN 1975, VENETIA DEARDON GREW UP IN SOMERSET NEXT TO THE FESTIVAL SITE AND HAS BEEN ATTENDING AND WORKING AT THE GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL SINCE A YOUNG AGE. SHE STUDIED ANTHROPOLOGY AT EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY BEFORE TAKING A POSTGRADUATE COURSE IN PHOTOJOURNALISM AT THE LONDON COLLEGE OF PRINTING. HER WORK WAS INCLUDED IN THE PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT PRIZE IN 2006 AND 2007, AND TWO OF HER WORKS ARE IN THE COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY. HER PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE APPEARED IN PUBLICATIONS SUCH AS VOGUE, WALLPAPER, HARPERS BAZZAAR AND THE SUNDAY TIMES MAGAZINE AND HER FIRST BOOK SOMERSET STORIES, FIVEPENNY DREAMS WAS PUBLISHED BY KEHRER IN 2008.
£29.99).

BUTCH BAKERY : CUPCAKES FOR MEN

BUTCH BAKERY IN NYC WAS BORN WHEN DAVID ARRICK FELT IT WAS TIME TO COMBINE A MASCULINE AESTHETIC TO A TRADITIONALLY CUTE PRODUCT, THE CUPCAKE. WHEN A MAGAZINE ARTICLE MENTIONED THAT CUPCAKES WERE A COMBINATION OF EVERYTHING 'PINK, SWEET, CUTE AND MAGICAL', HE FELT IT WAS TIME TO TAKE ACTION, AND BUTCH IT UP.HE DECIDED TO CREATE A COMPANY WHERE 'BUTCH MEETS BUTTERCREAM'. DAVID IS DELIGHTED TO BRING HIS UNIQUE IMAGINATION AND EXCITING CULINARY PRODUCT TO THE CUPCAKE WORLD. BUTCH BAKERY OFFERS 12 DELICIOUS FLAVOURS THAT GUYS WOULD LOVE WITH MANLY NAMES SUCH AS 'HOME RUN': A PEANUT BUTTER CAKE WITH BANANA BAVARIAN CREAM AND CRUMBLED BACON, 'OLD FASHIONED': AN ORANGE-SOAKED WHISKEY CAKE WITH LEMON CURD FILLING, AND 'CAMPOUT': A GRAHAM CRACKER CAKE WITH MARSHMALLOW FILLING AND MILK-CHOCOLATE GANACHE. A SAMPLER BOX CALLED 'THE BUTCH BOX' IS AVAILABLE FOR $48.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.butchbakery.com

VERSACE HOME COLLECTION UNVEILED AT MILAN SALONE 2010

TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING MILAN SALONE 2010, VERSACE HOSTED A GLITTERING COCKTAIL PARTY AT THE ICONIC VERSACE HQ IN VIA GESU RECENTLY. HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE STUNNING NEW COLLECTION INCLUDE THE SUNBURST, A CRYSTAL ROUND TABLE, ITS BASE IS COMPOSED OF 14 ELEMENTS OF BRIGHTLY COLOURED LACQUERED CHROME METAL THAT CONVEYS THE STRENGTHS OF A SOLAR EXPLOSION. AND THE CLASSICAL DESIGNED VANITAS ARMCHAIR WHICH HARKENS BACK TO THE DAYS WHEN GIANNI VERSACE CREATED HIS ICONIC COLLECTIONS, IS AVAILABLE IN A MULTICOLOUR VERSION OR IN TOTAL BLACK WITH A MIRRORED GOLDEN SEAT. DURING THE COLLECTION PREMIERE VERSACE ANNOUNCED THEIR NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH VENINI FOR THE PRODUCTION AN DISTRIBUTION OF AN EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION OF VASES IN BLOWN GLASS. THE NEW COLLECTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE BEGINNING NEXT AUTUMN AT VERSACE BOUTIQUES WORLDWIDE.

VEUVE CLICQUOT MILAN SALONE 2010 COLLECTION

THE FRENCH CHAMPAGNE HOUSE, VEUVE CLICQUOT IS RENOWNED FOR ITS LUXURIOUS SPARKLING CREATIONS, BUT THE 200 YEAR OLD VINTNER ALSO SHARES A LOVE FOR OUTSTANDING DESIGN AND AESTHETICS. OVER THE YEARS, VEUVE CLICQUOT HAS COLLABORATED WITH SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN ART AND DESIGN, LIKE KARIM RASHID, TOM DIXON, ANDREE PUTNAM, 5.5 DESIGNERS AND FRONT DESIGN. IN THEIR LATEST LAUNCH FOR THE MILAN SALONE 2010, AS PART OF THE RENOVATION OF ITS LUXURY TOWN HOUSE IN REIMS, VEUVE CLICQUOT HAS COMMISSIONED WORKS BY THE BRAZILIAN DESIGNERS FERNANDO & HUMBERTO CAMPANA, AS WELL AS WITH FRENCH DESIGNER MATTIEU LEHANNEUR. THE FIRST CREATION ENTITLED AS 'THE TASTING GLORIETTE' WAS DONE IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CAMPANA BROTHERS THAT FEATURES A PLAYFUL TWISTED NEST-LIKE CREATION MADE USING COILED THIN METAL ON A BENT WOOD BASE TO HANG THE CHAMPAGNE BUCKET IN EXCLUSIVITY OF ITS OWN. AND THE SECOND MASTERPIECE CALLED 'ONCE UPON A DREAM' WAS CREATED BY MATTIEU LEHANNEUR. DESIGNED TO LOOK LIKE A RETRO FUTURISTIC BED, ONCE UPON A DREAM IS MORE OF A LUXURY SLEEP EXPERIENCE CREATED TO HELP YOU GET THE BEST POSSIBLE REST. EQUIPPED WITH SPECIAL LIGHTING, WHITE NOISE BALANCING, IDEAL TEMPERATURES AND CURTAINS TO CREATE A WOMB-LIKE EFFECT, THE STUNNING CREATION ALSO FEATURES A WALL HANGING SWITCH TO MAKE YOU FEEL IN NATURE'S LAP. BOTH OF THE AMAZING CREATIONS WILL BE FORMALLY INSTALLED IN THE VEUVE CLICQUOT HOTEL DU MARC, DUE TO OPEN IN THE SPRING.

OMEGA AQUA TERRA

LUXURY WATCHMAKER OMEGA HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED ITS FIRST FRAGRANCE FOR MEN ENTITLED OMEGA AQUA TERRA WHICH WAS CREATED BY PARFUMEUR ALBERTO MORILLAS. THE AQUA TERRA HAS A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF ELEGANCE AND SPORT TO IT MUCH LIKE OMEGA'S TIMEPIECES. THE FRAGRANCE HAS TOP NOTES OF BERGAMOT, GRAPEFRUIT, TANGERINE, PETITGRAIN AND CLARY SAGE WITH A HEART OF JASMINE, RED PEPPER AND VIOLET LEAVES GIVING IT A SPICY FRESHNESS. THE FRAGRANCE COMES IN A BLACK BOTTLE WITH LATERAL WINDOWS ON THE SIDE WITH METRIC AND ENGLISH SCALES SO ONE KNOWS HOW MUCH IS LEFT IN THE BOTTLE, THE CAP IS DESIGNED TO BE REMINISCENT OF THE CROWNS OF THE ICONIC OMEGA'S WATCHES.

LOUIS VUITTON HUMIDOR TRUNK

A UNIQUE LOUIS VUITTON HUMIDOR TRUNK CAPABLE OF HOLDING 1,000 CIGARS IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY LONDON'S RENOWNED PULLMAN GALLERY FOR $68,000. THE ONE OF A KIND 'MALLE CIGARES' IS BASED ON THE CLASSIC 1926 STOWKOWSKI TRUNK. THE HINGED DOORS OPEN TO REVEAL A STUNNING MARQUETRY-INLAID REMOVABLE HUMIDOR AND A FULLY FITTED INTERIOR, COMPRISING TWO SMALL DRAWERS FOR CUTTERS AND ACCESSORIES ABOVE A FURTHER NINE HUMIDIFIED DRAWERS GRADUATING IN SIZE. ALL THE DRAWERS ARE CEDAR LINED WITH DIVISIONS AND DRAWER FRONTS IN LACQUERED ROSEWOOD WITH LEATHER AND BRASS PULLS. THE LID OF THE TRUNK IS LINED WITH SUEDE AND THE EXTERIOR IS COVERED IN VUITTON'S ICONIC FAMED MONOGRAM CANVAS WITH BRASS TRIM AND SIDE CARRYING HANDLES IN LEATHER. THE LOUIS VUITTON HUMIDOR TRUNK TOOK NINE MONTHS TO CREATE IS TRULY ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING CREATIONS TO COME OUT OF THE LUXURY DESIGN HOUSE

MASTERPIECES FROM BOSTON'S MFA TRAVEL TO JAPAN

THE PICTORIAL TREASURES OF THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON, ARE BEING SHOWN IN TOKYO, IN A MAJOR EXHIBITION THAT EXPLORES FIVE CENTURIES OF EUROPEAN ART MADE BY SUCH MASTERS AS REMBRANDT, VELAZQUEZ, EL GRECO, PICASSO AND VAN GOGH. THE EXHIBITION TAKES PLACE AT THE MORI ART CENTER IN JAPAN'S CAPITAL, WHERE THE VISITOR IS GREETED AT THE ENTRANCE BY TWO PICTURES, VELASQUEZ' 'LUIS DE GONGORA YARGOTE' AND 'VICTORINE MEURENT' BY EDOUARD MANET, AS EVIDENCE OF THE INFLUENCE THAT THE FIRST PAINTER HAD ON THE SECOND. THE TOUR INCLUDES OVER 80 WORKS PAINTED BY 47 EUROPEAN MASTERS AND ARE ARTICULATED THROUGH VARIOUS THEMES ADDRESSING PORTRAITS TO RELIGIOUS PAINTINGS, LANDSCAPES AND SILL LIFE. IMPRESSIONISM, A MOVEMENT POPULAR IN JAPAN, HAS A SPECIAL SPACE IN THE EXHIBITION, WITH A SECTION DEDICATED ONLY TO THE LANDSCAPES OF CLAUDE MONET IN TEN PAINTINGS FEATURING HIS FAVORITE THEMES, INCLUDING 'THE WATER LILY POND' AND 'ROUEN CATHEDRAL FACADE AND TOUR D'ALBANE'. ONE OF THE JEWELS OF THE INITIAL STAGE OF IMPRESSIONISM HAS ALSO MADE ITS WAY TO TOKYO, 'AT THE RACES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE' BY EDGAR DEGAS, THE WORK WHICH WAS SHOWN IN THE FIRST EXHIBITION OF THE IMPRESSIONISTS, IN 1874, ALONG WITH OTHER MASTERS SUCH AS MONET AND PAUL CEZANNE. THE WORKS ARE A SELECTION OF ABOUT 1,600 THAT MAKE UP THE COLLECTION OF EUROPEAN PAINTINGS AT THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON, WHICH NORMALLY ARE NOT EXHIBITED OUTSIDE THE GALLERIES OF THE MUSEUM. THE EXHIBITION RUNS THROUGH 20.JUNE IN TOKYO AND FROM 6.JULY TO 29.AUGUST AT THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY IN KYOTO.

THE PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM PRESENTS THE KENNEDYS: PORTRAIT OF A FAMILY

THE SITTER WAS A YOUNG PRESIDENT ON THE VERGE OF TAKING OFFICE. THE PHOTOGRAPHER WAS AN INTERNATIONALLY CELEBRATED FASHION AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME. THE PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM, SALEM, MA., PRESENTS THE STRIKING RESULTS OF THIS HISTORIC MEETING WITH 'THE KENNEDYS: PORTRAIT OF A FAMILY: PHOTOGRAPHS BY RICHARD AVEDON', A STUNNING EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN OF PRESIDENT ELECT JOHN F KENNEDY AND HIS YOUNG FAMILY WEEKS BEFORE MOVING INTO THE WHITE HOUSE. ICONIC IMAGES ARE PRESENTED WITH THE CONTACT SHEETS FROM WHICH THEY WERE SELECTED TO REVEAL THE EDITORIAL CHOICES MADE TO INFLUENCE PUBLIC PERCEPTION. ON 31.JANUARY.1961, RICHARD AVEDON ARRIVED AT THE KENNEDY HOME IN PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, TO PHOTOGRAPH THE FAMILY FOR HARPER'S BAZAAR AND LOOK MAGAZINE. FILLED WITH PROMISE AND PORTENT, THESE WERE THE ONLY FORMAL PICTURES TAKEN OF KENNEDY BETWEEN HIS ELECTION AND INAUGURATION. WHILE THE IMAGES ARE EXPERTLY SHOT AND THE KENNEDYS THEMSELVES RADIATED PERSONAL POWER AND CHARISMA, IT WAS THE SELECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS FOR PUBLICATION THAT WAS KEY IN CRAFTING THE PUBLIC PERSONAS OF AMERICA'S FIRST MEDIA-FRIENDLY POWER COUPLE

IN PORTRAIT OF A FAMILY, THE COMBINATION OF INDIVIDUAL PRINTS WITH ENLARGED CONTACT SHEETS MADE FOR EXHIBITION ENABLES VISITORS TO EXPERIENCE FIRSTHAND THE DECISIONS AVEDON MADE IN PREPARING HIS PICTURES FOR HARPER'S BAZAAR. TOGETHER THEY REVEAL THE DECISIONS AVEDON MADE WHEN EDITING HIS PICTURES, SHOWING THE FRAMES THE ARTIST DECIDED TO USE AND THE ONES HE SET ASIDE, AS WELL AS THE CROPPING, RETOUCHING AND OTHER ALTERATIONS THAT WENT INTO FINALIZING THE IMAGES. EACH CHOICE WAS VERY CONSCIOUSLY MADE TO PROJECT A PARTICULAR MOOD, MEANING OR MANNER OF BEING.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.pem.org