An extremely rare and early Cork silver mug which turned up in a job lot at a New York auction house in December was bought for $6,500 by the Irish silver dealer William Crofton of L and W Duvallier, now based at the London Silver Vaults on Chancery Lane.

SASSENACH’ PIPER

Italian fashion giants Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have said their “friend” Victoria Beckham may well be a designer but they list her alongside high-street names.

DEPICTIONS of lions and cheetahs appear in centuries-old Persian carpets; the ‘Chelsea Carpet’ in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum is a fine example.

Victoria Beckham has put her wedding tiara up for auction.

Cher says being famous has ruined her social life.

’Seal punch’ zoo keeper suspended

An Irish guitarist has told how he became the only musician on the planet handpicked to write songs with David Bowie for his new album.

Thousands of VIPs, including some 120 national leaders, will jet into London for Friday’s Olympic opening ceremony, with guests ranging from Angelina Jolie and Michelle Obama to the king of Swaziland.

Even by the richest publicans’ excessive rates, this is still one pricey pint.

'Harry Potter' creator JK Rowling has "terminated" her association with the literary agent who helped to launch her first book on the boy wizard.

Previously unpublished 'Harry Potter' material will be released on a new website in a move described by author JK Rowling as a "give-back" to her millions of fans.

AN UPSURGE of interest in the outdoors is creating new opportunities for artists and authors of guidebooks on the Irish countryside.

ACCORDING to Laver’s Law, I’m dowdy, and you hold the evidence in your hand.

Orlando Bloom has sold a date with himself for £9,000 (€10,000).

A WEALTHY American couple, which supports the Vatican museum and has donated to the British Labour Party, plans to give almost €400,000 to help build a new arts centre in west Cork.

Pop princess Kylie Minogue will be rewarded for two decades of hit music making when she receives an OBE (Order of the British Empire) from the Prince of Wales today.

Kylie Minogue’s dressing room has gone on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum – alongside treasures like her minuscule gold lame hotpants.

Kylie Minogue will put on a brave face when she attends an exhibition dedicated to her changing image tonight.

Australian soap star-turned pop sensation Kylie Minogue has been honoured at one of Britain's most prestigious museums - with an exhibition devoted entirely to her career.

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams tonight claimed he had been snubbed by a prestigious British museum.

Tony Blair must return Ethiopian sacred objects and ancient artefacts looted by British troops more than a century ago and now locked up in museums and royal palaces, a leading scholar demanded today.

Designer Vivienne Westwood launched a major retrospective of her work at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London today.

Carole Caplin would be appalled – fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has advised Cherie Blair about the British prime minister’s wardrobe.

A series of TV commercials for bitter starring comedian Peter Kay have been voted among the best adverts of the year.

Madonna’s daughter Lourdes received an early lesson in fashion when her pop superstar mother took her along to a Versace show with a difference.

The mastermind behind one of history's biggest art frauds has been ordered to hand over £125,000 of his ill-gotten gains or face being sent back to prison.