The exhibition features 100 drawings from the period 1400 to 1510, including 10 by Leonardo da Vinci. Other artists on display include Fra Angelico, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Carpaccio.

Fra Angelico to Leonardo aims to show the importance and beauty of drawing during the 15th century. The drawings were often used as studies for larger works – in fact, many of the sketches on display were never intended to be shown outside of the artists’ studios.

It was a period when paper was becoming more available, allowing more artists to draw. You can even touch some of the types of paper used by the artists – perhaps the only time I’ve seen a sign saying “Please touch” in a museum. These drawings paved the way for the High Renaissance which came later in Rome.

Fra Angelico to Leonardo is the first ever show of the British Museum’s large collection of Italian Renaissance drawings. In addition, 50 drawings have been borrowed from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, which houses the world’s greatest collection of Italian Renaissance drawings. To return the favour, the British Museum will loan 50 of its drawings to the Uffizi when the show transfers to Florence in January 2011.

This morning the exhibition’s curator, Hugo Chapman, said the inspiration for the show came from a room of drawings in the British Museum’s Michelangelo exhibition, which he curated in 2006.

There’s a lot to look at in each drawing and it takes a while to view the intricate sketches on display, but Fra Angelico to Leonardo is certainly a must-see for fans of Italian Renaissance art.

Italian Renaissance Drawings at the British Museum opens on 22 April, until 25 July 2010. Book tickets here

Less well-known than many of London’s bigger galleries, these galleries have their work cut out attracting visitors in the difficult economic climate. Happily, they’ve responded to the challenge with gusto, and these exciting exhibitions should attract plenty of attention and visitors:

The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection has been busy refurbishing, creating new galleries, and generally having a bit of a refresh. It’s holding four contemporary exhibitions next year:

• Beauty and Power: Renaissance and Baroque Bronzes from the Collection of Peter Marino, 29 Apr-25 Jul 2010
  Exploring the powerful world of bronze sculpture, through the collection of distinguished New York architect Peter Marino
• Poussin to Seurat: French Drawings from the National Gallery of Scotland, 23 Sep-19 Dec 2010
  Magnificent examples of French drawings including many of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists
• Shhh, it’s a Secret, 4 Feb-28 Mar
  Curated by twelve local school children, an interactive exhibition, unlocking the secrets behind some of the pieces from the permanent collection
• Delaroche Paintings, 24 Feb-23 May
  A special display of Paul Delaroche paintings to complement the new major exhibition at the National Gallery, Painting History: Delaroche and Lady Jane Grey.

The Courtauld Gallery
The Courtauld Gallery also have some big names in their upcoming exhibitions:

• Michelangelo’s Dream, 18 Feb-16 May 2010
  Examining Michelangelo’s celebrated drawing, The Dream of Human Life, this exhibition also looks at closely related drawings by Michelangelo, as well as letters and poems by the artist
• The Courtauld Collects: 20 Years of Acquisitions, 17 Jun-19 Sep 2010
  A celebration of the rich selection of works acquired by The Courtauld over the last 20 years
• Cézanne’s Card Players, 21 Oct-16 Jan 2010
  The first exhibition to bring together the majority of Cézanne’s beautiful paintings of peasants playing cards. It also explores closely related paintings by Cézanne

Dulwich Picture Gallery
Situated in leafy Dulwich, take the chance to get out of Central London and visit this historic building. It’s only 12 minutes from Victoria by train!

• Paul Nash, the Elements, 10 Feb-9 May 2010
  Examining Paul Nash’s work by theme, including landscapes as well as classic images of both World Wars
• The Wyeths: Three Generations of American Art, 9 Jun-22 Aug
  Andrew Wyeth was loved by the American public, but less well received by the critics. See his work, alongside that of his father, son and sister in this exhibition
• Salvator Rosa: Bandits, Wilderness and Magic, 15 Sep-28 Nov
  Brooding, dark and expressive paintings by rebellious artist and poet Salvator Rosa

Dulwich Picture Gallery is celebrating its bicentenary next year – so watch this space for news of how they’ll be marking the occasion.