I recently joined what is affectionately referred to as a ‘hard-hat tour’. Yes, I swapped my stylish beret for a hard-hat, high-vis vest and toe-capped boots to explore York Art Gallery under construction.

On the last tour I attended the work had only just begun, with floors and walls ripped out to make way for diggers – a far cry from the tranquillity when I was there as a Casual!

On today’s visit, there was still a vast amount of rubble, but also new structures – you can see where exhibitions will take place, where the new café will be situated, and even where the toilets are going to be!

My personal highlight was seeing the original architectural features of the ‘hidden gallery’ – a space previously closed to the public. It is a beautiful room and, once the scaffolding is gone, will be full of light.

It’s such an exciting project, both for York Museums Trust and for the city itself, and I know it will be well worth the wait once it re-opens next year – watch this space!