PROVENANCE, provenance, provenance. This collecting phrase might have much the same ring and price-boosting effect on antiques and collectables as property's much-quoted location, location, location' but, unlike the latter, it comes with various caveats. Before you start quibbling, today's brilliant location is not in itself a guarantee of future perfection, as all it takes is the tap of a planning officer's e-signature to transform a location' plus into a blighted minus as a new road or housing development is plonked outside your back door. But try as sellers might to obfuscate and dissemble in their sales particulars, it is blinking obvious come viewing day if a property is in a great location, and worth a lot more, or not.
Provenances can be more complex, not least as the ungodly have been faking them to boost values for as long as they have been faking antiques themselves. The ancient Greeks merrily carved statues purportedly made by even more ancient Greeks to sell to their new Roman masters. I can picture an ancient Roman Del Boy cheerfully 'up-pricing' a bit of gaudy jewellery to a gullible-looking customer: "Honest guv, this was taken off that strumpet Cleopatra's body just after the snake got her. My life on it! This knife was used to kill Caesar." And, after a couple of generations of repetition, risible tosh morphs into value-enhancing history.
That's the problem with some provenances: they can be infuriatingly difficult to verify and just as hard to disprove. And we want to believe them as we all love a great story. Collectors will happily pay to add multiple zeroes to the price because Eric Clapton (genuinely) played on this guitar at that concert. Or for that particular sword that was no ifs, no buts used at Waterloo. That is where I am taking you next.
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Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
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Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays