How ‘effective altruism’ can save the world
William MacAskill’s youth, scepticism and academic exactitude are some of the qualities that won him a legion of fans, writes…
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Art & Culture
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Art & Culture
The iconic Byblos in St. Tropez goes digital for 50th anniversary
Zak Smith applauds the launch of the luxury-Leviathan’s celebratory app. With the summer sun entering its final few weeks, the…
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The British Empire is back – at the Olympics
The Internet has erupted at one MP’s bizarre decision to praise the Olympic success of the British Empire. John Underwood…
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How AI-powered platforms can disrupt the banking system
From personalised recommendations to fraud protection, the data-crunching powers of artificial intelligence are changing the face of financial services, writes…
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‘Champagne island’ hosts exclusive music festival with acts selected by Mick Jones
Summer may be almost over, but the only champagne music festival on a private island is still to come, says…
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London will lead global fintech scene with ‘financial pedigree’ and deep talent pools
Fintech entrepreneur Anil Stocker tells Christopher Silvester how technology has quickly emerged as a key player in the City’s future…
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Why Pondicherry’s Indo-French charm continues to enchant
India may well be leaving its British colonial past behind, but one quiet corner of the country remains resolutely French,…
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Crowdfunded ‘Farm’ & ‘Abdullah’ film projects give artistic voice to a disenfranchised youth
RADA teacher and filmmaker Lucinda Cary is putting the youth failed by society in front of the camera with Farm…
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On Mervyn King’s damning verdict on world economy
Mervyn King’s ghost is walking the crumbling ramparts of the world economy, thanks to his new book, The End of…
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Olyvia Kwok: meet the art world’s It girl
Olyvia Kwok didn’t exactly tiptoe meekly into London’s art world — but she’s learned from her mistakes, she tells Michael…
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Can the Big Society solve the ‘black hole’ of charity spending?
With the gap between rich and poor widening, social investment feels like a new take on patronage, through the lens…
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How to avoid family breakdown over heirlooms
Wealthy families should not overlook the emotional and legal complexities involved in the disposal of their valuables, write Ann Stanyer…
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Returning the Elgin Marbles to Greece could ease Brexit negotiations
The debate on whether the British Museum should return the Elgin Marbles to Greece has attracted new focus now the…
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Pop artist Allen Jones explains his lifelong ‘obsession’ with the female form
The Britpop progenitor tells Anthony Haden-Guest about his long preoccupation, which has engendered more than half a century of success…
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Robo wealth managers — the future or just a fad?
‘Robo-advice’ via algorithms is catching on in wealth management — but is it safe and responsible yet? Tanzeel Akhtar investigates.…
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What’s the French for ‘Brexit’?
Jean-Claude Juncker’s choice of Michel Barnier as a tough Brexit negotiator for the EU may set a linguistic precedent as…
ByWilliam Cash’s letter from issue 51
William Cash recalls endless stamp-licking during Spear’s early years, and its progress from an office above a kebab shop to…
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The Dorchester’s florist on why flowers add emotional depth to luxury lifestyle
The eminent florist Philip Hammond, tells Zak Smith about the ‘transient’ but powerful form of artistry he relishes. In the…
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Is booing somewhat bourgeois?
Sam Leith explores the origin of that apelike ‘atavistic bellowing noise’ operagoers make to express disapproval. I was chatting to…
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British Polo Day celebrates its 50th event
Spear’s equine correspondent, Eleanore Kelly attends British Polo Day’s 50th event, mixing it with big brands, big characters and big…
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