Vincent van Gogh: The Artist and his Letters

The first major Van Gogh exhibition in London for over 40 years focuses on the artist’s correspondence and offers a rare insight into Van Gogh’s thoughts on his life, work and passions.

The 35 letters, 65 paintings and 30 drawings on display at the Royal Academy are grouped according to themes and provide an opportunity to engage with the man behind the artistic genius. While well-known works including The Yellow House (1888) and Van Gogh’s Chair (1888) are particular highlights, the real treat is the dialogue between words and images with personal letters Van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo - often illustrated with sketches of the picture he was working on – displayed next to the actual paintings he discusses in them.