For the first time in six decades, two of Vincent Van Gogh's iconic 'Sunflower' paintings are being displayed side by side in London's National Gallery until April. Visitors will be able to compare and contrast the two paintings, which are part of a series of five that are spread across the world. Painted as a welcome gift for friend and contemporary, Paul Gauguin in 1888, the paintings were meant as a sign of friendship...indeed Van Gogh saw the colour yellow as representing warmth and companionship. In terms of flowery paintings, Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' have to be among the most recognisable and well known! I can't arrange sunflowers without thinking of the paintings and every time I hold a sunflower I want to paint it!
