Sur vs Sûr
Do you know the difference between sur and sûr? They aren't the same! Sur = a preposition (on or on top of) Sûr/sûre = sure or certain Depending on the…
Getting Dressed as Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837 at the age of just 18. She would become known for the mourning dresses that she wore later in her reign but…
Where did your surname come from?
Our last names reveal the lives of our ancestors. Though it's not always obvious, they can tell us where they lived, what they did, what others thought of them, and…
Why a Language Map of the World is Impossible
Map Men attempt to use basic graphic software to chart global linguistics. They explore how national borders, colonialism, and political identity complicate the classification of languages, dialects, and official status.…
Architect Designs His Artist Brother’s Dream Apartment, Spain 55sqm/592sqft
Set within a 1900s apartment block in Valencia, Spain is Casa Artista, the flexible live-work home of illustrator Pablo Sahuquillo and his cat, Lomo. Designed by his brother architect Guillermo…
Getting Dressed as an Elizabethan Courtier
Under the rule of Elizabeth I, a new kind of courtier could be found in the royal court. Elite gentlemen trying to compete against each other to stand out for…
Wigs, Frills & High Heels | 17th Century Menswear
The late 1600s saw a peak in extravagance in mens fashion history. After years of Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration brought Charles II back to the English throne…
Silks, Crowns & Fairies | Dressing a 17th Century Queen
In 1632, Henrietta Maria attended a royal masque dressed as Divine Beauty. Royal masques were hugely popular in the 17th century. They were theatrical and elaborate parties, with singing, dancing…
Inside the Life of Monocle Journalist Fernando in Soho, London
Monocle Radio Senior Correspondent Fernando Augusto Pacheco opens the door to his everyday life in London’s Soho, a neighbourhood he has called home for more than a decade. From record…
How Henry VIII’s Court Ate
In the great dining hall at Hampton Court Palace, the vast Tudor court came together twice a day for mealtimes. Only Henry VIII and certain courtiers would have eaten in…