It's taken a while but work is finally well under way at 87 Hackford Road, van Gogh's former residence in Stockwell. Behind the hoardings painted by Benjamin Brown there's a real hive of activity. Every centimetre from the roof down is being painstakingly restored and where possible the original materials are being reused. The contractors are Triskele Conservation, a highly skilled team who have worked on other buildings locally.

For more information and regular updates on progress take a look at www.vangoghhouse.co.uk
For more details about the new San Mei gallery which is already exhibiting works by a diverse range of artists check