I was devastated to miss the big Leonardo da Vinci exhibition at the Royal Academy last year, but I got a second chance… and so did he.

The Queens Gallery currently has a spectacular display of 150 of his anatomical drawing, so I made sure I got there this time. It starts with his drawing of people’s insides according the the thinking of the time, so the early drawings are rather strange.

Leonardo’s second chance comes when he takes out his scalpel and starts opening up the bodies. From that point on his drawings have an accuracy that is remarkable even when set beside modern anatomical models. The drawings are very finely drawn and are quite beautiful even for someone as squeamish as myself.

Do go along to see them. You will be greeted by the Queen’s staff of very polite white haired ladies and you will be shown through to the elegant royal gallery space. These ground breaking drawings have been lost to the world for 400 years. Her Majesty is now displaying them until 7 October. Don’t miss it. You won’t get a second chance.