The blue and the yellow

As soon as a Van Gogh exhibition at the National Gallery was announced many months ago, and I realised it would be on during the time we had planned for a London visit, I booked tickets. It was only after this that all the brilliant reviews started coming in. And they were right - it is a stunning exhibition.

As it focuses on the extraordinary body of work that Van Gogh created during the two years 1888 to 1890 that he spent in the South of France, Arles and Saint-Remy-de-Provence, both places we know very well, the exhibition was of particular interest to us. Paintings and drawings, gathered from many places, are displayed thoughtfully in themes; some well-known works and many less well-known. Wonderful to see these actual paintings, looking as if they could have been painted yesterday. It’s a mesmerising exhibition, a lot of thoughtful pondering going on.

Great to emerge into the sunshine in Trafalgar Square and then wander up to a French wine bar/restaurant that Joanne had suggested and booked. We were meeting both daughters for lunch (see extra). So nice for it to be just the four of us, so rarely can we do this and it is very special. Some fizz, some wine, some delicious French food and lots of chat in a delightfully friendly and jovial French atmosphere. A wonderful few hours in great company.

More tomorrow.