Majolica (often confused with tin-enamelled Maiolica) is a scrumptious and affordable lead-glazed earthenware that took off in the mid-19th century and is still potted and prized in Europe and the US.

The 85-year-old son of Brooke Astor was jailed for up to three years for exploiting the philanthropist’s mental frailty to plunder her millions.

NEW YORK socialite Brooke Astor, a philanthropist whose generous gifts were a cornerstone for cultural institutions and charities across the city, died on Monday at the age of 105.