One episode from Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses’ which has appealed over the centuries to many painters and poets, and which may have a certain topicality, features the tale of Daedalus and Icarus. You probably know the story. Daedalus, a skilled artificer, having done what he came to Crete to do - build a labyrinth - wants to leave. Crete is a lovely island they say, with great scenery and friendly people, but really he would prefer to be somewhere else. But how can he get away, with the strict ban on inessential travel King Minos’s government has imposed?

After months of virtual cultural starvation, bookshops, galleries and cultural institutes are due to open up again in the next days and weeks. It’s time to get out there and refill the tank. But do think of others, use your mask and keep your distance.