The building today. The street isn’t exactly a green and lively place, but the old pile still stands, and it’s been joined by an addition down the block. As you can see – if you squint, alas – it’s quite respectful of the original, maintaining the classical details and proportions. You’ll find out why on the next page.

Cue the Inevitable Childhood Recollection: my father had a post office box here for his business, and I’d go with him sometimes to check the mail. There was always mail – a thick sheaf cinched with an oily rubber band. The room held a million boxes, it seemed, arranged in a few alcoves. Each box had the number painted in gold leaf. The larger boxes fascinated me, and I wondered who had them: imagine what an exciting life you’d have if you got that much mail every day!

The post office was moved out of this structure in the seventies, and moved to a new building. In the seventies. Key work: seventies.

I’m just preparing you for the next page.