One of Rembrandt's self-portraits cut through the centuries like a time-travelling palette knife as I stood, transfixed, staring at the detail in the masterpiece. It was one of many treats which I saw today displayed in the excellent exhibition spaces of The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.
I was very taken with the cleverly arranged Matisse expo, where the technique behind the printing of his graphic art was explained with a selection of tools and materials from several of the classic reproduction processes. In another room I saw the Liverpool which I remembed from visits there during my childhood and teenage years, captured unbeatably in full-frame black and white by Cartier-Bresson.
The Walker has a fine tradition of patronage by benefactors. It was very pleasing to see that admission was still free of charge, enabling families with young children to experience some of the world's finest art without having to worry about the cost.
