While it’s both a joy and a privilege to be the partial custodian of something lovely (a fine painting, an antique vase, a designer shoe), it can also represent a rather sobering responsibility. This is how I’ve come to feel about my river-view. I’m lucky enough to live in a small flat next to the Thames. I have a magnificent view, but I’m obliged to share it with users of the public walkway which runs beneath.

In winter, things are relatively quiet. I have sole dominion of the impressive vista. But in the summer more people come to sightsee, and I – in turn – spend more time out on my balcony.