This was on the wall beside an installation at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. I’m sure it was there because the installation, by Kim Adams, Bruegel-Bosch Bus, just begged to be touched. When I saw the sign though, the first thing I thought of was Lawrence Weiner, the American Conceptual artist. Because I made this connection, I laughed aloud in the gallery. This is not meant as a slight to the installation, which was marvellous. It was like a fantasy train set, with all the modelling detail you might expect, all incorporated into a VW bus. It was very compelling and imaginative. I wonder if Kim Adams made the Lawrence Weiner connection too.

On the subject of touching works of art, I recall once, many years ago, touching an Anthony Caro sculpture at the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo. It was made of tons of metal. You couldn’t damage that puppy with a sledge. I guess the concern was that oil from skin would alter the patina. If I were a sculptor I think I’d want people to touch my work. In any case, a guard came bounding up to me. Sir, you can’t touch that. If you do it again, you will be ejected. Oh my. I promised to be more careful after that.