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ZOOM IN ON THE NATIONAL GALLERY
Every masterpiece in the National Gallery is now available to view in minute detail online.
In the first move by a major gallery website to  offer a full-screen zoom facility for its entire collection, the new site has just been launched, giving unprecedented access to art lovers.
Also for the first time, users can now check the up-to-date locations of works of art prior to visiting. Using the Gallery’s own collection database, the new website updates the layout of the collection twice daily. Users can explore the paintings room-by-room using an interactive floorplan, allowing them to follow the narrative of the hang, as well as access new research material for specific works of art. They may search by artist and period or focus on loans and acquisitions.
There is much more besides, with details of the Gallery's wide range of activities and services. www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Above, painting by Palma Giovane, 1590, 'Mars and Venus'.
ROYAL NAVY TAKES TO THE COUNTRY
The Royal Navy, airships and WWll aircraft may seem to have little in common with an agricultural fair deep in the heart of the country but the two will be getting together this autumn in a joint celebration of  centenaries.
County shows have long been an integral part of rural British culture and though some have disappeared (the last Royal Show took place this year), others remain and are adding new entertainments to boost their attraction.
The Royal County Show of Berkshire in September will be a spectacular one, joining in the centenary celebrations of naval airpower as well as the 100th anniversary of its organising body, the Newbury and District Agricultural Society.
It is a hundred years since the Admiralty ordered its first airship and there will be events and activities throughout the UK under the banner 'Fly Navy 100'. At the Berkshire show, there will be a flypast by a World War Two Swordfish plane (above) and a display by the Royal Navy Raiders Parachute Display team, as well as action from the Royal Navy Raiders Parachute Display team, plus a variety of supporting activities, including the band of the Royal Marines, who have just returned from Afghanistan.
The two-day agricultural and country event is the last big outdoor show of the season, over September 19 and 20. The emphasis will be on British food, specifically local produce, supported by ploughing matches, pig classes, vintage cars, equestrian events and a variety of other attractions. For more information go to www.newburyshow.co.uk
BERKELEY SQUARE HOSTS NEW LAPADA
Berkeley Square is to be the setting for the relaunch of LAPADA, exclusive event for the Association of Art & Antiques Dealers, taking place this September.
For the past three years it has been staged in Burlington Gardens, but moves to a purpose-built marquee in the heart of Mayfair for this fair,  over September 24-27. It is a popular move with the art world, and around 90 exhibitors will show some of the UK's finest antiques and art treasures.
At a preview event, held in the Rolls Royce showrooms in Berkeley Square, a new coooperation between four top London shows, all showing in September, was announced. A  joint website has been launched to give full details of each of their events, on www.londonartandantiquescollective.com.
The 20/21 British Art Fair at the Royal College of Art takes place from September 16-20; the Chelsea Arts Fair from Sept 23-27 at Chelsea Old Town Hall; and the Decorative Art Fair just after LAPADA, from September 29 - October 4 at Battersea Park. A bumper fest for art and antique lovers.
The Boulle clock, above, will be on show at the Chelsea Arts Fair; and theTiffany gold cufflinks, one of which shown here, will be at LAPADA.
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