This selection of Lambirth’s Spectator articles aims to present a fair summary of his views. Never hesitant to nail his colours to the mast, Lambirth cogently argues his corner, whether it’s in defence of the little-known or unremembered, or attacking what he sees as mediocrity or the timidity of curators. Although his special area of interest is 20th century British art, he brings the same intenseness of gaze and critical analysis to whatever artist, period or movement he is confronted with. Sometimes curious combinations of exhibitions result: the 18th century watercolourist Italian Carlo Labruzzi is found alongside Paula Rego and Prunella Clough; the School of Paris painter Henri Hayden rubs shoulders with Rose Wylie and Ffiona Lewis. The aim is not to win eyes and minds, but to open them.