The Guardian view on the new Van Gogh show: a chance to fully see Vincent | Editorial

Forget the mugs and jigsaws - an exhibition at the National Gallery reminds us that nothing compares to seeing the original masterpieces

On Saturday the National Gallery in London opens its doors for its new Van Gogh exhibition, remarkably the first in its 200-year history. Exactly 100 years ago, the National purchased Van Gogh's Sunflowers for 1,304, a bargain even for the times.

Far from a safe bet, guaranteed to bring in the crowds, Van Gogh was considered a rather risky addition in 1924. Slipping under the National Gallery's 1900 cut-off date - later works go to the Tate - by just a decade, he is a visionary modernist among old masters. His paintings might be the stuff of a million tea towels today, but there is nothing dusty or cosy about VanGogh.

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