National Army Museum hits home

Since the disgusting bomb attack in Manchester last week, we're being told to get used to seeing troops on the streets of London, patrolling with police officers. So as I was in Kensington today, I decided it was high time that I visited the newly opened National Army Museum, down on Royal Hospital Road, to learn more about the in some way, shape or form, ever-present military presence in our lives. The re-build does not disappoint - the place is unrecognisable compared to the dark and dingy former warren of a place. Soaring ceilings, wide exhibition halls, wonderful and sometimes deliberately 'dark' lighting all make space for masses of stories, objects, paintings, films, models and inter-actives. The gallery themes of how the army has influenced culture and society over the generations and what it's like to be a soldier, now and in the past. particularly fascinated - and appalled me. War, conflict, life and death - thankfully have never really played any part in my personal life, yet were all brought to life in startling ways. Over time, one has read or heard or seen many such similar accounts or objects or photos, but to have them presented in a concentrated and deliberately thought-provoking manner, was certainly impactful and unsettling. I was pleased to de-stress on a steady walk back to the Kings Road and to make my way safely home - much to be thankful for - and to be thinking about......