And now for something completely different – or was it?

I was one of the first members of the public to see this great exhibition at the Royal Academy, Burlington House; as a Friend I had privileged access and was quick off the mark to get my PV ticket for 10 a.m. on the first morning.

Frankly, I was gobsmacked, and left Burlington House somewhat traumatised. This alone suggests a pause for thought before writing about it. And I am now aware that some early reviews have been less than complimentary. I need to understand why. I intend to return several times over the next few months, taking the exhibition bit by bit rather than the all-in-one experience which overwhelmed me somewhat; and to think about these things.

I shall then, perhaps, feel able to write something useful, even if only for me.

NB I cannot illustrate the exhibition here or later with my own photographs because photography of it is banned.